IPL, ELV's and the Public

I am browsing through a book named "Touchlines and Deadlines. A Compendium of South African Sports Writing." IN it, there is an essay written by JM Coetzee, the Nobel writer. Not one who you would imagine would spend time writing about sport. What he does is write about the art of writing for sport. It's a great little read that was published in August if 1988 in "Die Suid-Afrikaan". You can follow that link, but Wikipedia doesn't have much on it.

My point is that back in 1988 Coetzee ended his essay with the following words.

I have no complaints about the standard of rugby being played in this country. What does disturb me however - if I am to judge from the people in whose company I watched the Western province-Northern Transvaal game in the stand at Newlands - is how little of this good rugby is actually seen. Similar comments might be made about the cricket public, and we all know what happened to cricket as a result: a simplified version of the game - one-day-cricket - tailored to the limitations of uneducated spectators, was created, whose poor relation real-cricket has now become.

When rugby in South Africa goes professional, and links with the International Rugby board are broken, it is inevitable that there will be pressure for the rules to be rationalised.

Prophetic words written in 1988. Okay, the IRB went professional and there was no need for a break-away but the changing of the laws for a stupid public is spot-on. Then think about what T20 cricket is...

IRB unveils shortlist for Sevens Player of the Year

The International Rugby Board has announced a shortlist of six nominees for IRB Sevens Player of the Year, the first of the IRB Awards in association with Emirates Airline to be presented this year.

The announcement follows the introduction of an exciting new format for the IRB Awards. Starting this year, the winner of each of the 13 coveted categories of awards will be named at different stages throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the prestigious IRB Player, Coach and Team of the Year in November.

The IRB Sevens Player of the Year will be announced at a function in Murrayfield Stadium at the conclusion of the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens on 31 May, the final event of the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series.

A photograph and reaction from the winner will be made available on Sunday night. Video footage will be made available of the presentation, along with an interview with the winner, on Monday morning. Details of access will be made available to the media on Sunday.

The list comprises one Englishman, one Fijian, two Kenyans and two South Africans. All six players, nominated and voted on by the team management of the 12 core teams in the IRB Sevens World Series, are due to play at Murrayfield this weekend.

Renfred Dazel, South Africa
With a quick thinking rugby brain and lightening fast acceleration, Dazel has been a key man behind South Africa's consistently strong performances this year, helping them win three Series Cup titles so far in Dubai, George and Adelaide. A full time Sevens-contracted player like the rest of Paul Treu's squad, South Africa's reigning Sevens player of the year has played in all seven tournaments so far on the World Series, scoring 18 tries and 169 points.

Collins Injera, Kenya
With 35 tries so far this season Injera is the season's leading scorer, having crossed the whitewash eight times more than anyone else. A constant danger with his pace and power, he is a key reason behind Kenya's rise up the world Sevens rankings to their current position of sixth.

Humphrey Kayange, Kenya
Injera's brother and captain, Kayange has proved an inspirational leader for the Kenyans both on and off the pitch. His haul of 16 tries from seven events represents the second highest by a forward and his ball-winning and defensive qualities lie at the heart of Kenya's vast improvement under coach Benjamin Ayimba. Has led the Africans to four Cup quarter finals, two semi finals and one final on the Series, as well as the semi finals of the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Mpho Mbiyozo, South Africa
In the absence of Mzwandile Stick, Mbiyozo captained the Springbok Sevens team to victory in Adelaide in April but has been another constant in South Africa's push for a first ever IRB Sevens World Series crown. Another player to have played in all seven events so far this season, he has notched 13 tries to compliment his ball-winning skills as a forward.

Ollie Phillips, England
England's captain this season, Phillips inspired Ben Ryan's side to a first ever Cup success in Wellington in February and a first win in five years at their home London Sevens event at Twickenham last weekend. Another ever-present, he is his country's leading try-scorer this year with 20 and has been central to the team's vast improvement on last season.

Emosi Vucago, Fiji
At the heart of Fiji's rebuilding work under coach Iliesa Tanivula, Vucago wears the number '6' shirt vacated by the great Waisale Serevi and Fiji are always a better team with him than without him. His five tournaments played this year have yielded 10 tries and 82 points, including a starring role in their one Cup success this year in Hong Kong.

Barclays Golden Boot Award

Nicolas Anelka has been awarded the Barclays Golden Boot Award in the English Premiership.

The former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool striker scored 19 Premier League goals, beating Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo by one. Anelka’s goal in the last game of the season against Sunderland secured the award for the Frenchman.

It's a huge award of you think of the striker talent on show in England.

You can hear a full interview with Anelka here. The interviewer is Kevin Hitching.

TEAM FEARS FOR MCEWEN'S FUTURE AFTER HEAVY FALL

Australian sprint star Robbie McEwen will miss the Tour deFrance after badly injuring his left knee in his second crash in amonth in Belgium, his Katusha team said Thursday.
McEwen, 36, was admitted to hospital with what his team fearedcould be a career-threatening injury in the second stage of theTour of Belgium.
"Robbie hit a tub of flowers and fell. He went off to hospitalfor analysis," said the racer's sporting director Jef Braeckevelt.
"I am hoping for good news but I fear a serious injury as he hasan open and deep wound just above the knee," he added.
His fears proved well-founded as team official Bart Leysen latertold Italian television that the rider's "ligaments have beenstrained and a tendon may have been partially torn."Leysen added that doctors had warned McEwen may have to quit thesaddle for some four months and "fears for his career."A team statement added that McEwen "cut his ligaments under hisleft knee and the doctors are rebuilding it, (hence) it's almostimpossible his participation at the Tour de France."This latest accident came weeks after the Aussie was left withconcussion after a tumble in the Grand Prix de l'Escaut, also inBelgium.
That put paid to his plan to compete in the Tour of Italy,forcing him to concentrate instead on this race as preparation forthe Tour de France.
The second stage was won by Slovenia's Borut Bozic which shothim to the top of the overall lead.
The Vacansoleil rider who began the day third overall, took theleader's black jersey from Russian Sergei Ivanov after winning asprint to the line at Knokke-Heist in northern Belgium, ahead ofItalian Alberto Ongarato and Australia's Graeme Brown.
"I wasn't sure if I would try the sprint because I wasn'tfeeling too great," he added. "But the team put in so much workthat I had to go for it. My teammates really gave me a goodrun-in," added the 28-year-old, who picked up his first win of theseason.
"The most important stage is on Saturday, in the Ardennes, whichwill be very difficult. But the team is strong and we are going totry and defend the leader's jersey even if it's going to becomplicated."Friday's stage features a 181.7km run from Knokke to Temse andis geared towards the sprinters.

Zaugg second in Formula Renault 3.5 in Monte Carlo

South African Adrian Zaugg, who represents his country in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, scored an important podium finish before an influential audience when he finished second in a World Series by Renault race, curtain raiser to the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, who drives for the Austrian Interwetten.com Racing team, just missed out on pole position after a great qualifying performance on Saturday saw him record the third fastest lap time behind Britons Oliver Turvey (Carlin Motorsport) and James Walker (PI Motorsport).

He went on to score a significant second place, six tenths of a second behind Turvey at the end of the 25-lap race, watched by the managers and drivers of the Formula 1 teams assembled for the sixth round of the FIA World Championship.

“I had the best theoretical lap in qualifying, but just lost it by 57 hundredths of a second in the last sector of the final lap of the session,” said Zaugg.

“I had a great race, passing Walker into the first turn at the start – one of the few opportunities to pass at Monaco. I was quicker than Turvey, especially in the final 10 laps, but there was never any real chance for passing during the race. I needed to get some more points as we weren’t so lucky in the opening two rounds in Spain and Belgium.”

With the 12 points he earned on Sunday to go with the 14 he had already accumulated, he now lies sixth in the championship with 26 points, 21 behind series leader Marcos Martinez of Spain. Bertrand Baguette of Belgium is second with 43 points and Walker is third with 38.

“I was very happy to get such a good result in front of the F1 teams,” said Zaugg. “A big ‘thank-you’ to the Interwetten.com Racing team for having faith in me and giving me a competitive car this weekend.”

Zaugg only signed with his team one week before the opening round of the Formula Renault 3.5 championship in Barcelona, missing out on the pre-season testing. Given his lack of seat time in the car, his performance in Monaco and the fact that he is already challenging for a win in a series that has produced current F1 drivers Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Renault) will have given his reputation a big boost.”

Fellow A1GP drivers Chris van der Drift (New Zealand), John Martin (Australia) and Fairuz Fauzy (Malaysia) finished 7th, 12th and 15th respectively.

2010 WORLD CUP FINAL SOLD OUT

The second phase of ticket sales for the opening match,semi-finals and the final of the 2010 Fifa World Cup have been sold out, Fifa said on Thursday.

The second phase had seen 105,322 tickets confirmed and approved so far.
"Due to a high demand for certain team specific ticket series, these tickets are no longer available for the following countries: England, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Ireland and Netherlands," the world football body said in a statement.
"It is no longer possible within the current sales phase to purchase match tickets for games taking place in Cape Town, Nelspruit and Tshwane/ Pretoria."

Individual match tickets for the opening match, the two semi-finals, and the final were also unavailable in this phase.
However, team specific ticket series tickets, which allow supporters to follow the team of their choice, were available for the opening match, semi-final and the final.

If their team is eliminated, the team specific ticket allows the buyer to follow the team that progresses into the next round of the competition.

SA'S BRIEF AND UNMEMORABLE PARTICIPATION IN FRENCH OPEN SINGLES ENDS

South Africa's brief and unmemorable participation in the French Open singles was terminated with Chanelle Scheepers' 6-4 6-3 defeat against fourth-seeded Elana Dementieva in a first-round women's game at Roland Garros - leaving the men's doubles to save face.

The 25 year-old Scheepers was the only South African to qualify for the singles at the sumptuous Paris grand slam event and was far from disgraced against her formidable, unforgiving Russian opponent.

Now, Jeff Coetzee, Rik De Voest and Wesley Moodie, all partnered by non-South Africans, will be seeking a greater degree of success in the men's doubles.

Coetzee and Australian Jorden Kerr are, in fact, seeded 11th, with Rik De Voest and his Australian partner, Ashley Fisher, the 14th seeds - but with an unenviable second round game in the offing against French multi-grand slam winners Fabrice Santoro and Michael Lodra.

Moodie, a former Wimbledon doubles winner, has teamed up with veteran Dick Norman in what appears a partnership with possibilities. But the South African-Belgian duo face the daunting prospect of a first round match-up against seventh-seeded Max
Mirnyi and Andy Ram.

Zimbabwe's Cara Black and Liezel Huber are seeded number one in the women's doubles, but South African-born Huber now plays under the United States banner.

Another Bafana Injury

Bafana Bafana have suffered yet another injury blow in preparation for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Surprise Moriri has been released from the provisional squad after suffering a knee injury during the team’s 11 v 11 training match on Saturday, 23 May 2009 in Germiston. Moriri is the second player to withdraw from the squad due to injury after Orlando Pirates’ defender Lucas Thwala was also sent home with a calf injury last week.

Moriri’s announcement was made by the national team doctor, Ephraim Nematswerani. “Moriri sustained a knee injury in the practice game in Germiston on Saturday. It was the same right knee he injured playing for his club four weeks ago. After we took a scan at the hospital, it was obvious he could not continue and he has been released from camp," said Nematswerani.

Bafana Bafana Coach Joel Natalino Santana says this is a huge blow.

“This is not good for the team to have players leave camp due to injuries, I am left with 29 players but I won’t bring anyone in Moriri’s place as I have enough players in that position,” said Santana.

Meanwhile there are now four overseas-based players in camp.

Elrio van Heerden and Masilo Modubi, who both play in Belgium, have now been joined by Germany-based goalkeeper, Rowen Fernandez who arrived yesterday. Team captain Aaron Mokoena, who is based in England, jetted into the country this morning.

Bafana Bafana will face Mauritius in a training match on Saturday at the Germiston Stadium at 16h00. NO CAPS will be awarded for this clash.

Mauritius is expected in South Africa on Thursday, 28 May 2009.

Teko Does it Again

For the second consecutive season, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana Midfielder, Teko Modise, scooped the PSL’s most coveted Award at the League’s annual end of season Awards ceremony at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.

Modise saw off the challenge of his teammate Lucas Thwala and Golden Arrows’ striker Richard Henyekane to walk off with the PSL Footballer of the Year Award judged by coaches of all 16 Premier League teams.

Modise’s triumph rounded a glittering evening of Awards and celebrations as the curtain fell down on a wonderful 2008/2009 PSL Season.

For his efforts, Modise received a cheque of R250 000.00.

“It was certainly a great evening for all,” said PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

“Recognition plays a great part in our sport and I’m really glad and honoured to be part of these awards where we pay tribute to the true stars of our game,” he added.

All the League’s sponsors in the various competitions had the opportunity to crown players in the respective competitions.

The two hour live event was televised on both SuperSport 4 and SABC 1.

In the Absa Premiership, Orlando Pirates defender, Lucas Thwala walked away with the top honour – the Absa Premiership Player of the Season – an award that came with a R150 000 cheque.

With Telkom having had its own awards ceremony earlier this year, they only needed to make one award on the night for Player of the Tournament for the Telkom Knockout.

Mabhudi Khenyeza, Franklyn Cale and Benson Mhlongo were all in line for the massive R200 000 prize money on offer and in what was an extremely tight decision, the judges went in favour of Cale.

MTN came to the party with a whopping R150 000 for the Last Man Standing Award for the MTN8 Wafa Wafa competition.

A panel of judges comprising of journalists voted unanimously in favour of Gert Schalkwyk who played for Kaizer Chiefs at the time.

After a pulsating Nedbank Cup final yesterday, sponsors Nedbank were on hand to present two awards, Player of the Tournament and Most Promising Player of the Tournament.

Just like last year, the winners of both these awards came from the same club. Pretoria University’s Mthokozisi Yende scooped the Player of the Tournament while Andile Jali picked up the Most Promising Player of the Tournament.

The Chairman’s Award was split in two with two of PSL’s longest serving stalwarts, Andre Arendse and John Maduka sharing the R100 000 prize money as they were rewarded for their excellent contribution to the beautiful game as well as being recognized as true role models.

In other awards made on the evening, Jerome Damon walked away with the Referee of the Season award and Enock Molefe was announced at the Assistant Referee of the Season for the second consecutive year.

FC Cape Town’s Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Eminike won the NFD Award for most goals scored in a season while Super Stadium received recognition for the Best Playing Surface of the Season Award.

F1 TEAMS MEET AHEAD OF FURTHER TALKS WITH MOSLEY

Formula One's teams met Saturday ahead of more negotiations withmotor sport's governing body over a proposed budget cap for 2010.
The Formula One Teams Association met after qualifying for theMonaco Grand Prix, one day after discussions with FIA president MaxMosley.
The teams said they were united but still had to decide whetherto ask to extend the May 29 deadline for teams to enter the 2010championship.
"That's what we will discuss in the next meeting, what to dothen in that situation," BMW Sauber motor sports director MarioTheissen said after the meeting at Toyota's motor home.
Two entries - USF1 and Campos Racing - have already lodgedentries for next season. There are 26 grid spots available, enoughfor 13 teams.
"We welcome any new entries into Formula One," McLaren teamprincipal Martin Whitmarsh said. "It's a big task to jump intoFormula One, either with budget caps or not. We all have aresponsibility to find a positive way forward. There's got to be adetermination to retain 10 teams at least."Mosley is pushing through a voluntary €45 million ($60 million)cap for next year that has seen Ferrari and four other teamsthreaten to quit the sport as they believe it will create atwo-tier competition due to differing regulations.
Although Whitmarsh said there remained "fundamental differences"between all parties involved - which also includes F1 boss BernieEcclestone - he believed a "sensible compromise" could be achieved.
"There is a lot pressure on all sides to stay calm goingforward," Whitmarsh said. "There are obvious some differences abouthow we ensure a sustainable way forward."The teams are staying quiet on details of Friday's meeting atthe Monaco Automobile Club headquarters, saying only that it was a"positive" sit-down.
"But I have to say that we have not arrived at a solution,"Theissen said. "It's been a constructive meeting, (with)constructive decisions but it has to be put down on a piece ofpaper and then only can you tell what has been achieved."Theissen insisted the teams were united, even if some have madediffering public statements over the issues.
"So far we have managed to come to a joint decision on theissues put forward," the German said.

UEFA charges Chelsea's Drogba and Bosingwa

UEFA has charged Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa with misconduct for insulting the referee after Chelsea's elimination from the Champions League.
UEFA has also charged the club with failing to control the players as well as fans who threw objects.
UEFA said Drogba and Bosingwa breached sportsmanship by making offensive comments about Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
Ovrebo denied several penalty appeals in the 1-1 draw with Barcelona in a semifinal at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona scored a late equalizer to advance to the final on away goals and will play Manchester United in Rome on Wednesday.
UEFA's disciplinary panel will hear the cases June 17. It can ban players from Champions League matches and make Chelsea play behind closed doors.

A1GP fans invited to vote for their winners

Fans around the world of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport fans are being invited to vote for their personal choice of winners from the 2008/09 season. All they have to do is visit the series web site, www.A1GP.com and decide who they think deserves the accolade in each of the listed categories.

The annual A1GP end-of-season awards are a chance to reward the outstanding performances of the season, and not just those who finished at the top of the points’ table. While A1 Team Ireland, A1 Team Switzerland and A1 Team Portugal were the top three finishers at the end of season four and won the gold, silver and bronze medals, there are additional awards for Best New Driver, Best Overtaking Move of the Season, Most Improved Team and A1GP.com Readers’ Favourite Team.

These special awards, eagerly awaited by the teams and drivers, are usually determined by an impartial expert A1GP panel, but this year – through A1GP.com – the series is giving fans from around the globe the chance to pick the winners.

A1GP and a panel of experts have made a short list for each category and fans are invited to go to www.a1gp.com to view the nominations and get details of how to vote. Voting closes on Friday, June 5.

Plans are well advanced for the first visit of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in season five to the famous streets of Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia on October 22-25.

Season five will also see the series first visit to Assen in the Netherlands on May 14 to 16. It will be the fourth time A1GP has visited the Netherlands, with the previous races all held at Zandvoort.

A1GP has one of its largest and most enthusiastic fan bases in the Netherlands, where the last three seasons have started with the Zandvoort round, and the series will now be going to the famous TT circuit which attracts enormous crowds to the World Superbike and MotoGP races.

Assen has a long tradition with racing in the area since 1925, when the bikes raced on country roads. A circuit was built in 1955 and was then redesigned in 2006. It is 4,55 km long and has a capacity for 100 000 spectators, with 60 000 grandstand seats. Not only is it famous for racing, hosting the annual Dutch TT races and a Champ Car event in 2007, but also as a concert venue. The first band to hold a concert there was Iron Maiden in August 2008. The circuit’s current lap record was set in 2007 by Champ Car driver, Sebastien Bourdais, in a time of 1 min 18.75 sec.

Revamped 2010 Host City Forum happy with FIFA World Cup progress

With the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 now just 23 days away, the 2010 Host City Forum today declared South Africa “ready in all respects” to  host the tournament.

The country’s Minister of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo Shiceka, chaired today’s meeting of the forum – which consists of senior representatives of all nine 2010 FIFA World Cup Host Cities - at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa’s (OC) SAFA House headquarters in Johannesburg.

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup now just over a year away and the FIFA Confederations Cup taking place in just four weeks, the forum has grown in size and stature as a number of the country’s newly-appointed provincial Premiers, MEC’s (provincial ministers) and Host City mayors attended today’s meeting.

Kwazulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, North West Premier  Maureen Modiselle and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, as well as Rustenburg mayor Matthew Wolmarans, Ethekwini mayor Obed Mlaba and Mbombela mayor Lassie Chiwayo were among the senior politicians who attended today’s forum, which dealt with 2010 issues such as transport, ticketing, fan parks, as well as comprehensive project updates from all the 2010 host cities.

 “The meeting agreed that as a country we are ready in all respects to host the FIFA Confederations Cup and we are looking forward to the start of the competition. The stadiums are ready and even the infrastructure touch-ups around the stadium precinct have now been done, while the issue of security in and around the stadiums has also been addressed. We also received a presentation from the company doing the opening and closing ceremonies for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which was very impressive,” said Shiceka.

The Minister was pleased that many of the country’s most senior politicians attended the forum, which he believed was an illustration of their commitment to the biggest national project South Africa’s ever undertaken.

“I was very happy that many of the Premiers and mayors attended the meeting today. They certainly came in their numbers and actively participated. I believe going forward the presence of the Premiers and mayors will take the forum from strength to strength,” said Shiceka.

The Lions are coming

Proof that sport is a masive commercial and financial issue. The British and Irish Lions are on Twitter. COuld be fun to get behind the scenes news and info. I hope that they do supply us with good info and don't just copy and past some boring info that we might know already.

Lance Armstrong, for one, along with some other cyclists, keep us in the loop with all the info and behind the scenes action. I love getting updates from Lance. It makes me feel as if he is my friend, in a strange, stalker way.

I also follow a couple of actors on Twitter and they also seem to be the real deal. I am normally very sceptical when it comes to this kind of thing, but these seem real.

Poland announce squad for SA tour

Poland national team coach Leo Beenhakker has announced a full strength squad for the central European countries' upcoming trip to South Africa.

The 'White Eagles' are set to play against 'Bafana Bafana', on June 6 (Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg) and Iraq on June 9 (Athlone Stadium, Cape Town). Beenhakker has put together a squad of 22, and placed another 8 on a stand-by list.

Players to watch

Key players in the squad include strikers Pawel Brozek and Ireneusz Jelen, both of whom have been scoring good goals of late. Jelen, of French side AJ Auxerre, packs a powerful shot and was the scorer of a scorcher of a goal against Paris St. German last week.

 

He is however, doubtful for the trip as he is set to undergo an operation on July 1.

 

Brozek has played for all his country's national teams and is a leading striker for title contenders Wisła Kraków in the Polish league - the Ekstraklasa.

 

Arsenal golakeeper Lukasz Fabianski takes over from Glasgow Celtic stopper Artur Boruc as first choice last line of defence. Boruc continues to be overlooked after his dismal display against Northern Ireland in March.

 

Fabianski played well in the Londoners' last match of the league against Manchester after a terrible showing against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final encounter recently.

 

He gets the nod over Manchester United's Tomasz Kuszcak, who has not featured much in Alex Ferguson's plans this season.

Controversial choice

Beenhakker has defended his controversial decision in calling up Jakub Wawrzyniak, who is facing the possibility of charges for using banned substances.

 

The Greece-based Panathanaikos FC defender recently failed two successive drug tests, claiming that he used the drugs for weight loss. Beenhakker says that the Polish FA, better known as the PZPN, has not as yet received any legal documentation in this regard and therefore this does not preclude him from including the player in the team to face the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts.

 

Lech Poznan midfielder Tomasz Bandrowski has sup[risingly been placed on the stand-by list, but is expected to make the squad should Jelen pull out.

 

Poland, who have moved up a notch from  39 to 40 on FIFA's World Rankings, will stay in South Africa for 10 days.

 

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal), Lukasz Zaluska (Dundee United), Sebastian Przyrowski (Polonia Warszawa)

 

Defense: Marcin Wasilewski (R.S.C. Anderlecht), Dariusz Dudka (AJ Auxerre), Michal Zewlakow (Olympiakos CFP), Tomasz Jodlowiec (Polonia Warszawa), Bartosz Bosacki (Lech Poznan), Jakub Wawrzyniak (Panathinaikos FC), Jacek Krzynowek (Hannover 96)

 

Midfield: Mariusz Lewandowski (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Lukasz Tralka (Polonia Warszawa), Rafal Murawski (Lech Poznan), Roger Guerreiro (Legia Warsaw), Rafal Boguski (Wisla Krakow), Slawomir Peszko (Lech Poznan)

 

Strikers: Ireneusz Jelen (AJ Auxerre), Dawid Nowak (PGE GKS Belchatow), Euzebiusz Smolarek (Bolton Wanderers), Pawel Brozek (Wisla Krakow), Robert Lewandowski (Lech Poznan), Marek Saganowski (Southampton FC) 

 

Reserves: Adam Stachowiak (Odra Wodzislaw), Jakub Rzezniczak (Legia Warsaw), Piotr Polczak (Cracovia Krakow), Piotr Brozek (Wisla Krakow), Tomasz Bandrowski (Lech Poznan), David Janczykn (SC Lokeren), Lukasz Sosin (Anorthosis Famagusta), Jakub Wilk (Lech Poznan) 

NOMINEES FOR ABSA PREMIERSHIP 2008/09 SEASON AWARDS

With the Absa Premiership season coming to a close last weekend, the attention has quickly turned to the PSL End of Season Awards. Last week saw the PSL auditorium filled with some of South Africa's finest journalists and ex-players, who gathered to debate and motivate fornominees in the various categories of the Absa Premiership End of Season Awards.

The nominees for the 2008/2009 Absa Premiership Awards, in no particular order are:

Absa HOT Young Player:
* Masibusane Zongo - SuperSport United
* Bongani Khumalo - SuperSport United
* Sifiso Myeni - Bidvest Wits

Absa Premiership Goal Keeper of the Season:
* Kenny Mweene - Free State Stars
* Calvin Marlin - Mamelodi Sundowns
* Energy Murambandoro - Bidvest Wits

Absa-lutley Awesome Goal:
* Gary Goldstone - Maritzburg United against Ajax Cape Town
* Jermaine Christian - Bay United against Kaizer Chiefs
* Ryan Botha - Moroka Swallows against Bloemfontein Celtic

Absa Premiership Coach of the Season:
* Ruud Krol - Orlando Pirates
* Clive Barker - AmaZulu
* Gavin Hunt - SuperSport United

Absa Premiership Player of the Season:
* Morgan Gould - SuperSport United
* Lucas Thwala - Orlando Pirates
* Teko Modise - Orlando Pirates

At the end of the judging, Steward Masela, Absa Sponsorship Consultant said; "After a thrilling season and a healthy debate between our judges, we have a strong list of nominees and I don't think any soccer fan will be disappointed as every nominee has played outstanding football this season. I hope they will keep us as entertained in the next AbsaPremiership Season".

Masela ended off by wishing all the nominees best of luck for Sunday night, May 24 when the winners will be announced at the PSL Awards.

PSL CEO, Kjetil Siem also voiced his excitement with the PSL awards."It was really nteresting to see how the judges went about doing their work and looking at the nominees, the judges certainly had a tough time choosing the best of the best in the Absa Premiership," Siem commented.

The PSL Awards will be televised live on SuperSport four and SABC 1 from 8pm on Sunday evening.

Super Rugby expansion plans revealed

The Super Rugby competition will stretch from the last weekend in February to the first weekend of August as part of a new-look tournament agreed by the SANZAR partners.

The revamped tournament will feature an extra team as well as an expanded finals series as part of changes to be proposed by the SANZAR partners to broadcasters next month.

The new 24-week Super Rugby competition guarantees each team a minimum of eight home matches and a 16-match regular season. A new six team finals series includes an extra round with two “sudden-death” qualifiers before the semi-finals.

All teams will have a three-week bye while the tournament is suspended during the June International Test window, while the Tri-Nations series has also been given a new time slot in the calendar to run at the conclusion of Super Rugby.

The expanded competition has a 2011 launch date, with the current broadcast agreement to expire at the end of 2010.

"It has been an intense negotiation but we believe the outcome is a very good one for rugby, for the SANZAR alliance, for our players and fans and for broadcasters,” said Andy Marinos, the CEO of SANZAR.

“We were all committed to an expanded tournament and have been able to make it work, taking into account the different landscapes of our domestic game. What we have agreed upon is a competition with added domestic interest and a compelling international component that will see Super Rugby retain its status as rugby’s toughest provincial competition.”

Key features of the proposed new SANZAR landscape are:

· A 15th team playing in the Australian conference will be added to Super Rugby following a tender process open to all territories, and with SANZAR making the decision on the new side’s location. A timetable for tenders will be released shortly to ensure adequate lead-in time is provided to the successful bidder;
· The Tournament will kick off in the last week of February and conclude in the first week of August, except in 2011 when the calendar will be shifted earlier to accommodate Rugby World Cup;
· Teams will be divided into three national Conferences of five teams each. The new team will compete in the Australian Conference;
· Teams play the other four teams in their Conference twice (home and away);
· Teams play four out of the five teams from the other two Conferences (four home, four away);
· All teams will have a three-week bye during the June Test window;
· The three Conference winners and three wildcard teams with the highest number of competition points from any Conference qualify for the play-offs;
· The wildcard teams and the Conference winner with the least competition points will play an elimination round to meet the two Conference winners with the greatest number of competition points in the semi-finals;
· Tri-Nations will always kick-off in South Africa in mid-August and conclude with two of the three trans-Tasman matches in early October to allow for early release of Springboks to Currie Cup. The will allow for Tri Nations tests between particular teams in particular countries to become permanent fixtures on the rugby calendar.

Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill said: “This new structure will enable us to further embed Super Rugby as the premier provincial competition in world Rugby.

“The extended season, the home and away local derbies and a new-look finals series – we are building on what has already been an enormously successful Rugby tournament.

“This is an important and necessary evolution for Super Rugby and the fans, I’m sure, will embrace the changes we have made.

“From an Australian perspective, having a presence in the marketplace from February to August delivers us the capacity to compete with the other codes from a stronger and more compelling position. Australia is the only country in the world where four football codes compete head to head.

“Expanding the Super Rugby season presents us with a wonderful opportunity to further increase the profile and popularity of our game – and in the long term that will benefit SANZAR and the game worldwide.”

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the agreement was a welcome one for rugby in New Zealand given the value that New Zealand’s fans, players, partners and media place on the strength of the southern hemisphere competitions and the contribution that makes to maintaining the competitive edge for rugby below the equator.

“We have said at every juncture that our preference was to maintain the three-country alliance and to build on it. We are delighted that we have reached an agreement which allows us to move the Super Rugby competition to a new platform which we believe will capture and excite rugby fans in all three countries. It will also create benefits for our players and Super Rugby franchises and give us a certain competition structure we can build on in future years and a protected window for our domestic competitions.”

The SANZAR partners will present the proposed structure to the rights-holding News Corporation by the end of June. Any new deal only comes into force from the 2011 season.

Rest before the tough one

The riders in the Giro d'Italia took advantage of the first rest day on Monday to catch their breath after nine days of tough racing between Venice and Milan. Team Barloworld reached Cuneo on Sunday night after the Milan circuit race where South Africa'sRobert Hunter took a seventh place in the bunch sprint. 

Monday morning saw the Team Barloworld riders take a two-hour ride around Cuneo as part of their recovery.  Although moral in the team is high, they are today faced with one of the toughest stages ahead, so all jokes aside as the team focuses on making their already felt presence even more prominent.

 First time Giro d’Italia rider, Diego Caccia said "I'm thrilled to be riding the Giro d'Italia for the first time. It's something special for an Italian. The crowds were huge along the road to Bergamo and it was a special day for me because my family and friends were there too. That was awesome and it was a day I'll never forget.”

The team mechanics have been hard at work cleaning and preparing the team bikes and equipment for the next two weeks of the Giro which kicks off again today with the tenth stage from Cuneo to Pinerolo.  This stage will recreate one of the legendary attacks of Italian icon Fausto Coppi, with two 1st categorized mountains (Moncenisio and Sestriere) and the 2nd categorised Pra Martino climb.

“It's definitely one of the toughest stage of the Giro,’ said team manager Claudio Corti, “but Team Barloworld has the men to tackle this demanding 262km route.”

 Colombian climber Mauricio Soler will be in the action, as will Felix Cardenas, Chris Froome and John Lee Augustyn. 

Assen Announced As A1GP Season Five Venue

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Peter Balkenende, has today announced A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will race in his country for the fourth time in Season Five. However, it will be new territory for the series when it visits the Assen track on 14-16 May 2010. 

A1GP has one of its largest and most enthusiastic fan bases in the Netherlands, and is now going to a track famous for its enormous crowds when the biking fraternity visits. To date the series has had its first race of the season there at the Zandvoort track in 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09, when tens of thousands of orange clad fans have cheered on A1 Team Netherlands that has one of the country’s most successful racing drivers, Jan Lammers, as its Seat Holder.

From the Assen circuit, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Peter Balkenende, today commented: “It is wonderful news that A1GP has signed a multi-year deal to race at the TT Circuit Assen. It’s a great opportunity to build on this year after year because of the multi-year deal. It’s an enormous boost for this region of Holland so is very important and will provide real opportunities for the future.”

Commenting on this news, A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira, said: “I almost feel the series colour should be orange. We have had an enormous fan following since our very first event, and no one will forget the dedication of the fans at our very wet opening round for the 2008/09 season. Assen is a track with a lot of history. It has hosted a variety of very successful races for both two and four wheels and so this will be an exciting new adventure for us.”

Assen has a long tradition with racing in the area since 1925, when the bikes raced on country roads. A circuit was built in 1955 and was then redesigned in 2006. It is 4.555 kilometres (2.830 miles) long and has a capacity for 100,000 spectators, with 60,000 grandstand seats. Not only is it famous for racing, holding the annual Dutch TT  races and a Champ Car event in 2007, but also now as a concert venue. The first band to hold a concert there was Iron Maiden in August 2008, which was part of its Somewhere Back In Time World Tour. The circuit’s current lap record was set in 2007 by Champ Car driver, Sebastien Bourdais, in a time of 1min 18.756secs.

Lucas Thwala release from Bafana Bafana squad

Bafana Bafana have experienced a setback following the withdrawal of Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala from the provisional Confederations Cup squad due to injury. Following the mandatory medical tests taken by all national team players when they arrived in camp on Wednesday 13 May 2009, it was discovered that Thwala had a calf injury. This was further confirmed by a specialist whom the player was referred to by the Bafana Bafana medical team to obtain a second opinion on the extent of the injury. In light of the above it has been recommended that Thwala should abstain from any physical activity for a period of two weeks during which time he will be getting daily treatment.

In his place the technical team has called up Mzuvukile Tom of Golden Arrows Football Club who has already arrived in camp.

Super Rugby carries on, who is surprised?

Oh c'mon! You read this as if you are surprised that South Africa are not going to join up with Europe? You really thought that Australia and New Zealand were going tp start a new league with the Pacific Islands? Right, sure, whatever. 

This is a typical case of the media making something out of nothing and buying into the bullshit that comes out of the mouths of idiot sports administrators. Move on guys!

South African rugby bosses have shelved their plans to join up with the northern hemisphere in a rugby competition from 2011. 

And, Australia and New Zealand have booted into touch talk off organising an Asia-Pacific competition, without South Africa.

Following the umpteenth meeting between the Sanzar alliance partners in Dublin on Thursay, the future shape and structure of Super rugby was agreed from 2011.

I guess sports bosses need to justify their salaries somehow...

This is from IOL.co.za, read the rest here.....

Rugby's Revised Laws Available Online

The revised Laws of the Game 2009 are now available online following the International Rugby Board Council's decision to accept 10 Experimental Law Variations into Law.

The 2009 Laws in English, French, Spanish and Russian are now available on www.irb.com with the versions in Italian, Japanese and Chinese to be added shortly.

VIEW THE LAWS OF THE GAME >>

The revised Laws of the Game also include the Rulings in Law that, in some instances, have existed since 2002 and were formally incorporated into Law by the Council at its Annual meeting in Dublin on 13 May.

These amendments are highlighted in light green within the Laws of the Game and amendments include players off their feet at the tackle, offside lines for players who have detached from a maul and all players binding before the scrum engagement sequence.

THE LAW AMENDMENTS 2009 EXPLAINED >>

The integrated set of Laws will be implemented globally from May 23 or from the start of the next domestic season where competitions transcend the implementation date.

World-class producers for FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 opening and closing ceremony announced

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) today announced the internationally renowned VWV Consortium as service providers to produce the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 opening and closing ceremonies

.

With exactly one month to the kick-off of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium on 14 June 2009 the OC today announced at a media briefing that the eagerly-anticipated ceremonies for the tournament - to be broadcast worldwide as part of the opening and final match - will be produced by the VWV Consortium, comprising the VWV Group and Till Dawn Entertainment, along with Associate Producers Jack Morton Worldwide.

 

“It is indeed a privilege and an honour to help South Africa raise the curtain on this incredible moment in our history,” said Abey Mokgwatsane, CEO of VWV.

 

“We look forward to delivering uniquely African ceremonies that will set the stage for a truly world-class event,” added entertainment industry icon Lebo M, CEO of Till Dawn Entertainment. Lebo M is a Grammy Award winner and co-producer of the Lion King South Africa – the globally acclaimed production that saw record attendances in theatres around the world.

 

Jack Morton Worldwide served as production consultants for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games ceremonies and produced the opening and closing ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, brings global experience to the team.

 

“We at the Organising Committee are delighted to announce the VWV Consortium as service providers for the FIFA Confederations Cup opening and closing ceremonies. Lebo M is a true South African and indeed global entertainment industry icon. We are delighted that he will bring his creativity and incredible talent to the tournament. Jack Morton bring global experience to the team and we are sure these ceremonies will be distinctly African and world class,” said OC CEO Dr Danny Jordaan at the briefing, which also showcased the OC’s transport, security and tournament plans.

 

A total of 351 121 tickets have now been sold of the 640 000 available for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009.

                  

“We approach the tournament with confidence. Our stadiums are ready, our transport and security plans have been fine-tuned and more than 4000 volunteers have been trained in preparation for the first major FIFA tournament on African soil. We know we still have much to do, but I can assure you we will not disappoint,” said Jordaan.

 

The tournament, involving the champions of the six FIFA Confederations, as well as FIFA World Cup holders Italy and hosts South Africa, kicks off on 14 June 2009 with a match between South Africa and Asian champions Iraq.

Asian Tour finale scrapped after sponsors pull out

Asian golf's season-ending finale has been scrapped this year after sponsors Volvo pulled out, Asian Tour chief Kyi Hla Han told Reuters on Thursday. The Swedish automobile manufacturer opted against extending its contract to cover the 2009 tournament in Bangkok forcing the tour to remove the event from the calendar. Volvo has a long association with the sport in the region but citing the economic climate, instability of Asian golf and political unrest in Thailand, the company decided to end its backing of the limited-field event.

"There is no single issue that has led us to take this decision, more so a combination of factors," Volvo's event management president and CEO Per Ericsson told the Tour's official website (www.asiantour.com).

"On reflection and taking all these issues into consideration, the board has concluded that it would not be taking up its option on a further extension on this occasion, however remains open to opportunities in Asia in the future."

Asian Tour executive chairman Han confirmed that Volvo's withdrawal had forced the circuit to cancel the event scheduled for December and won last year by Singapore's Lam Chih Bing. "The tournament is being removed from the calendar," he told Reuters.

"The sponsors wished to explore alternative events in Asia and wanted to be involved in tournaments with larger fields and outside of Thailand.

"There's a chance the event will return under a new format but we will need to find new sponsorship and may opt to stage a regular players' championship like we did in the past.

"What's encouraging is that Volvo are still heavily involved in global golf and sponsor a number of events around the globe."

Volvo's current golf portfolio includes the World Match Play Championship, the China Open and the Masters Amateur.

Renault and ING Renault F1 Team Statement

The decision of the Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) to introduce two sets of Formula One technical regulations for the 2010 Formula One season has caused the Renault Group to reconsider its entry in next year's FIA Formula One World Championship.

There is frustration that FOTA's constructive proposals, including major cost saving measures to be adopted progressively between 2009 and 2012, which were carefully constructed by FOTA members, have been completely ignored without any form of consultation by the FIA with the teams.

It should be stressed that FOTA has set the same, if not lower, financial objective as the FIA, but Renault strongly believes that this must be introduced through a different procedure agreed by all parties.

Renault also believes that it is paramount that the governance of the sport is coordinated with a spirit of consultation with all parties (FIA, FOM, FOTA) in order to achieve a better balance between the costs and the revenues. Renault is also of the firm view that all entrants in the World Championship must adhere to and operate under the same regulations.

President of the ING Renault F1 Team, Bernard Rey, commented: "Renault has always considered Formula One as the pinnacle of motor sport and the perfect stage to demonstrate technical excellence. We remain committed to the sport, however we cannot be involved in a championship operating with different sets of rules, and if such rules are put into effect, we will be forced to pull out at the end of this season."

ING Renault F1 Team Managing Director, Flavio Briatore, commented: "Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One one of the most prestigious brands on the market. We want to achieve this in a coordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA. If the decisions announced by the World Council on the 29th of April 2009 are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of 2009." 

The New SA Cabinet and Sport

My mate, Rodney Hartman, ok, not quite a mate, but a guy who knows me, writes in his opinion piece today...

In truth, I wish Mr Komphela would ask why there is not a single black African playing in the IPL. It is now approaching 18 years since SA re-entered international cricket and any number of black African cricketers have reportedly passed through some of the finest cricketing schools and academies in the world.

Makes one think hey?

What does it all mean? Is the government piss poor at its job or is there really a third force white conspiracy running sport in South Africa?

Check out his full rant on the IOL website.

RWC Tender Unions Present to the IRB Council

The four Unions tendering to host Rugby World Cup 2015 or 2019 today unveiled their bids to the IRB Council in Dublin.

Italy, Japan and South Africa are tendering to host either Rugby World Cup 2015 or 2019, while England is bidding for Rugby World Cup 2015. The unprecedented tender response, a record for Rugby World Cup, reflects the global prestige of a tournament which is now regarded as the world's third-largest sporting event.

The Union tender teams presented to the IRB Council in alphabetical order, each delivering a 30-minute presentation outlining their proposal to host a Rugby World Cup before answering questions from the floor.

"The quality of the presentations this morning was extremely high with each tender Union outlining their bid to host a Rugby World Cup. We are delighted to have four countries of the calibre of England, Italy, Japan and South Africa bidding for the right to host a Rugby World Cup," said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The presentations mark the latest milestone in the detailed analysis of the tenders, including independent financial and commercial evaluation. The process culminates with the IRB Council selecting the Host Unions for Rugby World Cup 2015 and Rugby World Cup 2019 at its Special Meeting of Council on July 28."

LOST CITY CYCLE CHALLENGE IN AID OF CANSA

The Lost City Cycle Challenge in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will take its 12th year on Saturday 22 August 2009 at Sun City Resort. For the past 11 years, the event has raised R 2 million for the CANSA cause and has a strong emphasis on road safety, medical assistance, and sheer riding pleasure.

PowerAde adds to the prestige of the Lost City Cycle Challenge and their major support has ensured the continued success of this classic cycle race. Joining forces with Sun International means that the organisers can maintain the high standard of quality and safety. Entries are once again limited to 4,500 cyclists.

In 2008 the safety record was mainly accident free with only minor casualties being reported. This year, there will be 25 motorbikes on the road to assist all cyclists, and notify motorists of the cavalcades ahead. There will be over 50 traffic officers to direct motorists and other traffic. An emergency vehicle and a standby helicopter will be stationed at the Finish to assist in case of accidents or dire emergencies.

The organisers have arranged for medical stations on route and will facilitate first aid kits at all water points, physio-therapists at 2 points, doctors, and ambulances at the start/finish point. Security will be provided by Sun International on route with 250 marshals and support team members, including 25 motorcycle marshals.

This will be the third year that the Subaru Mountainbike Challenge is added to the weekend’s festivities and has proven to be an immensely popular route. The event will take place on Sunday 23 August, starting at 07h00. There will be 3 water points en route and entries are limited to 1,500, with 60 marshals.

The budding mini-cyclists can take part in the Sparletta Tricycle/walk/run experience on Saturday. The Subaru kiddies 4x4 run/ walk/ride will be take place on the Sunday and various prizes as well as special medals will be presented at the lucky draw at the finish point. Children can be entered on the day.

After both days’ events, there will be entertainment at the Valley of Waves, where the family can enjoy an exciting day at the spectacular Sun City resort.

Entry to the resort is free for all participants, family members and spectators, provided arrival is at 06:30. All cyclists and their families will also receive free entrance to the Valley of Waves on the race day between 11:00 and 14:00.

Kyalami BMW vs. Subaru Track Day Challenge

Battle lines are drawn as BMW Car Club Gauteng prepares to defend their title against hard-charging Subaru drivers. The Track Day Challenge is a timed-lap event where you compete for the fastest lap time against yourself and those in your class.

Cars are classed according to their best previous Kyalami lap time and set out together so that cars of similar ability compete with each other in the spirit of fair competition and safety.

Novices are welcome to join in the day to run in the novice class. Should drivers prove to be quicker than the average novice time, they will be re-classed accordingly. Highly experienced BMW Driver Training instructors will be available in the morning to assist drivers with technique, braking points, apex points and exit points. The event is fully marshalled by the Kyalami Marshalls Association and is a Motorsport South Africa accredited event, so be assured safety is the top priority.

A popular favourite at the BMW Car Club track days is the BMW motorsport exhibition. Here you can watch the most successful BMWs in motorsport from past and present in action in all their splendour between 12:30 and 13:00.

Gates open at 07:00 and entry to spectators is free throughout the day. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Should you wish to participate in this event, please visit www.bmwcarclub.co.za for more information or contact the organisers below.

Troy Cochran
troy@bmwcarclub.co.za
082 576 1178

Ryan Herd
ryan@bmwcarclub.co.za
083 225 8057

2009 ski series set for a classic start

The 2009 edition of the world’s biggest surf ski series gets under way in Durban this weekend amidst forecasts of the ideal winter paddling conditions that have made KwaZulu-Natal a globally recognised destination for surf ski racers.

The ten leg Discovery Men’s Health Surf Ski series has become synonymous with the balmy Durban winters where the regular warm and calm sea conditions are complimented by South Westerly swells that make for exciting downwind racing conditions.

The series opening New Balance grading race at Marine Surf Lifesaving clubhouse at uShaka Beach on Sunday will offer the massive field – regularly the year’s biggest field assembled for a surf ski race worldwide – a sheltered start and finish point at the extreme southern end of Durban’s Golden Mile.

However with a South Westerly swell expected to hit the coastline on Friday and Saturday, the paddlers can look forward to some exciting downwind racing conditions on each lap as they push out into the bay.

The race is traditionally very well supported as surf ski paddlers will be graded for the rest of the season based on their performance at the grading race.

Defending series champion Matt Bouman will be back to contest most of the series races again this year, fresh from his victory in the European surf ski championship race in Spain. He will be hard pressed by the likes of Hank McGregor, Barry Lewin, teenager Grant van der Walt and Clint Pretorius, who is recovering from a hand injury.

The women’s racing should be intriguing, as Plettenberg based Michele Eray, clearly the best all round female paddler in the country will pit herself against the two Toti stars who have dominated the series last year.

“Durban is recognised worldwide as the capital of surf ski racing,” said Series organiser Billy Harker. “This is not only because of the sheer numbers of active surf ski paddlers here but because the weather, sea and coastline combine to offer magnificent conditions for surf ski paddling.”

The series starts with shorter races, often with the shelter of Durban’s Bay, and then gradually offers longer races taking in the trickier conditions on the upper South Coast as the paddlers built towards the two major events that form the climax of the season.

The Durban Surf Ski World Cup will once again attract the world’s best paddlers for the World Series rated 30km downwind that has developed a formidable reputation in recent years.

The season ends with the 46km Men’s Health Scottburgh to Brighton marathon, the oldest ultra distance surf ski race in the world.

“The sport has been growing incredibly in recent years, and the series is designed to cater for paddlers of all abilities, allowing them to race against themselves and others of similar abilities,” said Harker at the series launch.

The launch included the popular annual Media Challenge Surf Ski Race that was won by East Coast Radio’s MD Trish Taylor.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
10 May New balance Grading race, Marine SLC
17 May Powerade Dairy Bach race, Durban
24 May McCarthy Toyota King of the Bay, Durban
31 May Hansa Five Beach, Umkomaas to Toti
7 June Discovery Winklespruit race, Winklespruit
14 June HiQ Marine race, Durban
20 Scottburgh Winter Solstice Cyclelab race, Scottburgh
28 June CMH Toyota Pirates Umhlanga Pirates, Durban
5 June KZN Awnings Downwind, Amanzimtoti
11 June Durban Surf Ski World Cup, Durban
18 June Men’s Health Scottburgh to Brighton

Full details of the series can be found at www.surfski.co.za 

Bafana Bafana Team Announcement 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

National Coach, Joel Natalino Santana, today announced a provisional list of 30 Players for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. This Team will go through an assessment programme and will be trimmed to a final team of 23 Players who will take part in the Confed Cup.

Santana says that the final Team will be selected on four key points including Technical ability, Discipline, Medical Assessment and Physical Condition. “The list of Players that we have announced today is a culmination of the programme started by Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in 2007 together with Assistant Coaches, Pitso Mosimane and Jairo Leal when the road map to the 2010 FIFA World Cup began. When I arrived in the Team 11 months ago, I continued with this process of looking at new talent and giving the identified Players international experience as we worked towards building a core of this Team. All these Players were assessed through various games, including national callups for the COSAFA Cup, Friendly Games and Training Matches. We also assessed Players at their clubs.

“When selecting the final 23 Players, we shall try and have two Players at each position, but the final Team will have three goalkeepers. I don’t know who will be in the final 23, because this will be based on the assessment done before 4 June 2009. However, I want to assure Players who will be dropped for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup that it does not mean they will not be considered for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This applies to Players who are also not in the provisional list of 30. My advice is that all players who will not take part in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, must continue to work hard at their game for future consideration. In football there are no guarantees. Today you may be in, tomorrow it could be someone else’s turn,” says Santana.

The Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association, Raymond Hack, is urging the whole nation to rally behind Bafana Bafana and the Technical Team. Hack says people might have different views on player selection, but the Association is confident that the best players have been selected to represent the country in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. “This is our final push to prepare a competitive team for the FIFA Confederations Cup, and as a proud host country, the Team will once more count on your unreserved support that has in the past ensured great victories against teams like Cameroon and recently, Norway.

“Our last Friendly Game against Poland on 6 June 2009 at Orlando Stadium starting at 3.30pm, will be a great send off for our boys. That match will be played at a historic venue in the South African football landscape, and we hope to carry the good fortunes out of that match into the Confederations Cup”, says Hack.

NISSAN SUGARBELT 400 A SPECTATOR FRIENDLY RACE

In keeping with a tradition established over the years the Nissan Sugarbelt 400 on May 15 and 16, round three of the Absa Off Road Championship, will be a spectator friendly event.

Based once again at the Beaumont Eston Farmers Club the race is run through the lush and rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s sugarcane. The twisty and undulating cane tracks are tricky and always catch out the unwary, with the Nissan Sugarbelt earning a reputation as one of the toughest races on the Absa calendar.

“There is a superb mix of terrain and spectators will be served up all sorts of varied viewpoints,” said clerk of the course Rex Boreham from the Natal Off Road Motor Club.  “These range from narrow cane breaks on the edge of hillsides to fast and undulating roller coasters within easy sight of main tar roads.”

The race will again be run in a figure of eight format with an east loop and a west loop that national competitors will complete twice. There are nine excellent viewpoints on the east loop, which will be run first, and eight on the west loop.

“There are spectator points common to both loops,” said Boreham. “Team service crew and members of the public will also be able to watch the action where the route runs close to the Beaumont Eston Farmers Club and the start/finish and designated service point.

Boreham added that the organisers had produced a detailed map with directions to individual spectator points.  The spectator points are all within a radius of 30 kilometres from the Eston Club, and with forward planning enthusiasts can enjoy a day of non stop action.

The spectator guide can be downloaded from www.saofroadracing.co.za and will also be available at the Beaumont Eston Farmers Club. The Friday, 15 May prologue to determine start positions will start at 13h00 and the race proper on the Saturday, 16 May will get underway at 08h00.

RAND STADIUM TO HOST NEDBANK CUP FINAL

The newly upgraded and refurbished Rand Stadium in Johannesburg will host the 2^nd Nedbank Cup Final on the 23^rd of May, 2009.

This was confirmed by the Premier Soccer League today.

The final will be contested by Moroka Swallows and Pretoria University.

“It’s indeed an honour for us to play the match at Rand Stadium and mark the Stadium’s opening with such a prestigious match,” said Ace Ncobo, PSL General Manager: Football.

“This particular venue has hosted many exciting matches over the years and it’s also one of Johannesburg’s oldest soccer venues, so the Nedbank Cup Final will inscribe its name into the history books yet again when the match kicks off on the 23^rd of May.”

The Rand Stadium will be one of the official training venues for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

R76m has been spent on the upgrade of the Rand Stadium.

The Stadium will boast seating for 25 000 spectators and will also include world class VIP facilities, 8 commentary boxes, 2 press rooms and a fully equipped gymnasium.

“To stage the first competitive match at the Rand Stadium before the Confederations Cup is an honour for Nedbank and reaffirms that the Nedbank Cup as truly Ke Yona! Nedbank is delighted to offer all soccer fans an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a World Cup training facility first hand,” says Andy Scott, Head of Nedbank Group Sponsorships.  

Ncobo also believes that the Rand Stadium will bring a welcome relief to the problem the League is currently experiencing with a shortage of facilities.

“It’s an open secret that the League has been battling with scheduling of matches due to many stadiums undergoing upgrades. It’s a relief to know that we can start playing matches at the Rand Stadium again where I must add that the pitch is looking in excellent condition as well,” Ncobo added.

Tickets for the Nedbank Cup Final go on sale from Monday, 11 May 2009 at all Computicket and Checkers and Shoprite outlets.

SAFA RESCHEDULE VODACOM NATIONAL PLAY OFFS:

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has rescheduled the date for the Vodacom National Play offs.

 

The play offs will now kick off on Monday the 25^th  May 2009, and the final match to determine the team that gets promoted to the National First Division is scheduled for Sunday 31^st May 2009. The final will be broadcast live on SABC.

 

SAFA CEO Raymond Hack says the venue for the play offs is not changed - the matches will be played in East London as determined by the Competitions Committee and the match venues are Siza Dukashe Stadium and Jan Smuts Stadium.

 

Hack says the decision to reschedule the plays offs is informed by the resolution of the Competitions Committee taken in their meeting last Thursday, where they pronounced that a public draw for the play offs will only be conducted once the judicial process is concluded, “we took a cue from the resolutions of the Competitions Committee, and based on the updated information from our judiciary, we took a decision to reschedule the play offs to allow the judicial process to run its course, says Hack.

 

The CEO has also instituted an internal enquiry into possible administrative lapses that might have contributed to the delay of processing the cases. The findings of the enquiry will be submitted to the Competitions Committee and the National Executive Committee.

 

Meanwhile four winners from the provinces have already been declared - Eastern Cape will be represented by Blackburn Rovers, United FC is the winner in the Free State; Mpumalanga’s hopes lie with Batau F.C while the Western Cape will be represented by Steenberg United F.C.

 

In endorsing the decision to reschedule the Play Offs, Competitions Committee chairman Mandla Mazibuko says the decision was taken in the interest of all stakeholders, “in the interest of fair play, and in the interest of treating our clubs and members fairly, we ratified the decision to reschedule the play offs, so that when we kick off on the 25^th of May in East London, all administrative matters would have been concluded in the spirit of fairness”; added Mazibuko.

FIFA appoints CONFED Cup match officials

FIFA have confirmed the trios of match officials who will participate in the forthcoming FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009.

 

Representing all six confederations, the thirty match officials were selected from a list of prospective candidates for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

 

Preparations for the match officials have been conducted under the guidance of FIFA´s Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP), which was approved by the FIFA Executive Committee at the end of 2007. The basic objective of the RAP is to professionalise the environment in which referees develop and work at both national and international level.

 

The programme comprises two distinct but related parts. The first part is the preparation of match officials for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, with practical and theoretical sessions focusing on five core areas: technical, physical, psychological, medical and energy performance. The second part of RAP is the development of refereeing at member association level.

 

The FIFA Confederations Cup, also known as the "Festival of Champions”, will be staged at venues in four cities: Johannesburg, Tshwane/Pretoria, Rustenburg and Mangaung/Bloemfontein.

 

To be held between 14 and 28 June 2009, the FIFA Confederations Cup includes Brazil as Copa Americawinners, African champions Egypt, first-time Asian champions Iraq, 2006 FIFA World Cup™ winners Italy, Oceania champions New Zealand, hosts South Africa, European champions Spain, and CONCACAF Gold Cup winners, the USA.

 

Confederation	Role	Display name	Country
AFC	Referee	Matthew BREEZE	Australia
	Assistant referee	Matthew CREAM	Australia
	Assistant referee	Ben WILSON	Australia
CAF	Referee	Coffi CODJIA	Benin
	Assistant referee	Komi KONYOH	Togo
	Assistant referee	Alexis FASSINOU	Benin
CONCACAF	Referee	Carlos BATRES	Guatemala
	Assistant referee	Leonel LEAL	Costa Rica
	Assistant referee	Carlos PASTRANA	Honduras
CONMEBOL	Referee	Carlos AMARILLA	Paraguay
	Assistant referee	Emigdio RUIZ	Paraguay
	Assistant referee	Nicolas YEGROS	Paraguay
	Referee	Jorge LARRIONDA	Uruguay
	Assistant referee	Pablo FANDINO	Uruguay
	Assistant referee	Mauricio ESPINOSA	Uruguay
OFC	Referee	Michael HESTER	New Zealand
	Assistant referee	Jan-Hendrik HINTZ	New Zealand
	Assistant referee	Mark RULE	New Zealand
UEFA	Referee	Massimo BUSACCA	Switzerland
	Assistant referee	Matthias ARNET	Switzerland
	Assistant referee	Francesco BURAGINA	Switzerland
	Referee	Martin HANSSON	Sweden
	Assistant referee	Henrik ANDREN	Sweden
	Assistant referee	Fredrik NILSSON	Sweden
	Referee	Howard WEBB	England
	Assistant referee	Michael MULLARKEY	England
	Assistant referee	Peter KIRKUP	England
	Reserve trio
CAF	Referee	Eddy MAILLET	Seychelles
	Assistant referee	Evarist MENKOUANDE	Cameroon
	Assistant referee	Bechir HASSANI	Tunisia