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....
Thursday, September 21, 2006
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.
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