World Cup 2014 qualifier results Africa

Africa continued its journey towards the 2014 competition in Brazil with a number of qualifying matches taking place on Saturday and Sunday throughout Africa.  

Namibia 1-0 Kenya

The Brave Warriors welcomed the visit of Kenya's Harambee Stars, having lost their first World Cup qualifier 1-0 to Nigeria. Kenya in comparison, drew 0-0 with Malawi.

In the cold night air of Windhoek, around 5,000 fans created the atmosphere at the stadium, and the home side was motivated to do well in front of their supporters.

The first half ended goalless, but not for lack of effort, as Namibia had two clear cut chances to go ahead, but Kenyan keeper Anthony Origi was in fine form and made some crucial saves. The second half produced few opportunities for the two sides, and those that came were wasted.

The match was not yet over, however, and Namibia still had one more addition to the game's script, with Henrico Botes completing a stunning win for the Brave Warriors with a goal in the 85th minute, making it 1-0 to Namibia over Kenya.


Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Sierra Leone

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosts were paid a visit by the Leone Stars, with the home side having lost to Tunisia in their first qualifier, while Sierra Leone went top of Group B alongside the Carthage Eagles thanks to their win over Cape Verde.

A flurry of goals were scored in the first half of the match, with the score set at 2-2 by the break, thanks to a double from Equatorial Guinea captain Juvenal, as well as one goal apiece from Samuel Barlay and Ibrahim Bangura for Sierra Leone.

Juvenal opened his account on 13 minutes, but by the half hour mark the visitors had turned the game on its head, and the skipper equalised with his second of the encounter.

For all the excitement of the first half, the second session was rather disappointing and the match would produce no more goals, although Equatorial Guinea missed a penalty which they should have converted.

Leone Stars captain Ibrahim Kargbo was sent off, giving Juvenal a chance to score his hat-trick, but the player missed the target altogether, meaning that 2-2 would remain the final scoreline.

The result means that Equatorial Guinea remains in the bottom two of Group B on one point, while Sierra Leone moves to four points.


Congo 1-0 Niger

The Mena travelled to Congo with determination to return home with a positive result, but it was not to be for the 2012 Afcon qualifiers, as the hosts recorded a 1-0 victory in Pointe Noire at the Stade Municipal.

The visiting Mena would have felt rather confident at half time, with the score still unadjusted.

As time wore on in the second half and chances were few and far between, Niger would have been considering a point almost bankable, but the Congolese had other plans and in the 86th minute Francis Malonga earned his side all three points with a goal to send their opponents home empty-handed.

Group E now sees Congo and Gabon leading on four points each, while Burkina Faso and Niger are bottom of the standing with a single point each.


Gabon 1-0 Burkina Faso

The Panthers of Gabon were keen to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track following a draw in their first match, and the Stallions of Burkina Faso stood in the way of their objective.

The home side began brightly and aimed to make their fans in Libreville at the L’amitié Sino Gabonaise happy with a victory. They were able to do just that, despite the score ending goalless at half time.

In the second half the Panthers found the breakthrough thanks to a strike from Remy Ebanega in the 56th minute. The meeting ended 1-0 for the hosts, leaving Burkina Faso on one point while Gabon move to four, topping Group E alongside Congo following their victory over Niger.


Uganda 1-1 Senegal

Uganda and Senegal ended their second 2014 World Cup qualifying game with a 1-1 draw in Kampala on Saturday, with Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse putting the Teranga Lions in the lead in the first half and Bunamwaya midfielder Godfrey Walusimbi equalising via a penalty minutes before full time.


Zambia 1-0 Ghana

Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in their second 2014 World Cup qualifying game to make up for their loss against Sudan last week.

Captain Christopher Katongo led a well organised Zambian side that made it impossible for their visitors to break into their defense. The 29-year-old inspirational leader, who was conspicuous in every department of the game, put the Chipolopolo in the lead within 14 minutes of play.


Botswana 1-1 South Africa

South Africa travelled to Botswana for the second round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in Group A, and the teams walked away with a point each after a 1-1 draw. Kickoff

Chiefs or Pirates for Nkosi

Nkosi has to decide on his fututre this week.
Picture by Football 365.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi will decide later this week on whether to rejoin Kaizer Chiefs or sign for Orlando Pirates.

Since leaving Golden Arrows earlier this month, Nkosi has been under the radar of a number of PSL clubs, but KickOff.com has learnt that the player has been negotiating with the two Soweto giants.

“He has been speaking to both teams and will definitely make a decision before the end of the week,” says a source close to the player.

“He has been stalling because he doesn’t want to rush into making a decision. He has been speaking to Maritzburg United as well and doesn’t mind the idea of moving to Port Elizabeth with them.

“But Maritzburg has an outside chance because Nkosi prefers Chiefs or Pirates. Swallows were in the picture before they went to China, but now they are completely out of the picture.”

Nkosi started his career with Orlando Pirates but left without playing a match. Kickoff

Spain not happy with the pitch

Disappointed spain players after a 1-1 draw against Italy.

Spain have complained about the state of the pitch they played out a 1-1 draw with Italy on last night.

La Furia Roja are unhappy that the surface was bone dry, a factor they believe stymied their crisp passing style.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is a man of few words, so when he talks people listen.

And unbidden, last night he expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch in Gdansk.

"It is a pity to play on a dry pitch. For us, for Italy and for the fans. I am sure we would have seen a better game if the pitch had not been so dry," he said.

Spain’s goalscorer Cesc Fabregas was less diplomatic.

"The pitch is a disaster. It's lamentable to play on a pitch like that," he fumed. "I can't complain but we deserved a lot more. It's lamentable that we still have to play on pitches like that."

While midfield conductor Xavi Hernandez explained: "The fact they didn't water the pitch affected us and our passing." And Andres Iniesta added: "To see the pitch in this condition was a disaster. It was super dry and that makes passing the ball difficult."

Italy, who were happy to have surprised the defending champions by taking the lead and refusing to surrender, were not wont to criticise the surface.

"It is the same for both teams," Andrea Pirlo said.

The chief of the Polish FA, Grzegorz Lato, has rejected Spain’s misgivings about the pitch outright.

"What nonsense! The grass was the perfect length," Lato told Polish radio station TOK FM.

"The thing is that often one waters the pitch for the game. But you need agreement from the two teams. The Spanish wanted it to be watered, the Italians did not agree.

"[Italy] know that the pitch being slower - because on a watered pitch the ball slides a lot and will move a lot faster - is the better tactical option for Italy.

"If there isn't agreement (from both sides), it doesn't make any difference that at Barcelona and Real Madrid they water the pitch two hours before the game." SoccerLaduma

Trapattoni tells players to keep their heads up

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has urged his players to keep the faith at Uefa Euro 2012™ after their long unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt against Croatia in rainy Poznan on Sunday.
A mistake-riddled 3-1 defeat in their opening Group C match put a dampener on Ireland's first appearance at the finals since 1988 and means they must avoid defeat on Thursday against world champions Spain who drew 1-1 with Italy.
"It's important we recover psychologically and believe again because we have to remember how many games we had played without conceding a goal," the seasoned Italian, whose side had kept 11 clean sheets in a 14-match unbeaten run, said.
"We believe in our strength."
Since taking over four years ago Italian Trapattoni has transformed Ireland's fortunes and they were desperately unlucky to miss out on qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals.
Despite being placed in a tough Euro 2012 group that also includes four-times world champions Italy, hopes were high that Ireland could sneak into the quarterfinals but defeat against Croatia, a match that was targetted as the most likely victory, means the party could be cut short.
They never really got started against the lively Croatians, conceding a soft goal to Mario Mandzukic within three minutes.
Although Sean St Ledger equalised they were rocked either side of halftime with Nikica Jelavic's shot and Mandzukic's header which went in off keeper Shay Given sealing defeat.
FRESHEN UP
reland looked heavy-legged for long periods and lacking in creativity when chasing the game and Trapattoni hinted that he may freshen up the team for the clash with Spain in Gdansk.
Many of the travelling Irish fans frequenting the bars of Sopot, close by the team's training base on Poland's Baltic coast, want to see an injection of youth such as Sunderland's highly-rated midfielder James McClean.
Whether or not the wily Trapattoni will risk tinkering too much against Spain is doubtful although he did offer some encouragement for the fringe players.
"Spain is another game and then we have to think very, very much," the 73-year-old, who tasted only his third competitive defeat as Ireland boss and his first on the road, said.
"If I decide to change, it will not be because a player played badly or does not deserve to play. We have another game. Our opponent only drew and has only one point."
Defender Stephen Ward said they would be huge underdogs against the Spanish but hoped the luck of the Irish would return after two of Croatia's goals owed much to large slices of fortune.
"Against Spain we have nothing to lose so we have to go out and give it everything and hopefully we can get a bit of luck on Thursday and then go into the Italy game with a chance of qualifying," he said. Supersport

CR7 under pressure

CR7 was frustated after the 1-0 loss to Germany

Perhaps Portugal should never had made Cristiano Ronaldo captain, judging by the way he tore his armband off and was the first player to storm down the tunnel after Saturday’s Euro 2012 defeat to Germany.

After all, in the greatest Portugal teams of the past, stars like Eusebio and Luis Figo were not the skippers. They were allowed to play, free from the responsibility of leadership.

Being captain may be something that stokes the fires of CR7’s notorious ego, but it is debatable whether or not it adds to his performance for his national team.

While he was certainly Portugal’s best player against Germany, Ronaldo still did not do enough to suggest he can drag them kicking and screaming into the second round of the competition.

He was his customary step-over self, but the tricks he has used to destroy teams like Granada and Getafe in the past seldom flustered Germany’s nonplussed defenders.

And when Ronaldo started to berate his team-mates for misplacing passes before half time, perhaps he should have held a mirror to himself.

Portugal’s manager Paolo Bento knows full well the importance of CR7 to his cause, and insisted the Real Madrid man had a good game against Germany.

"I haven't done the individual analysis yet but I think it was a very good game by Ronaldo," Bento said on Sunday.

And former Portugal wizard Figo sought to lump CR7’s ineffective display on the shoulders of his team-mates.

"I think the team need to give [Ronaldo] the chances to have a good performance," Figo said.

"Cristiano's style is to finish, to score, so if the team don't produce those kind of opportunities then of course his performance is down."

After his stunning season, there can be no doubt as to CR7’s standing at the pinnacle of the game.

However, it seems that he is now the superstar to shoulder the burden of underperforming for his national team.

His rival for the podium as football’s best player is Lionel Messi, who has buried the old saw that he cannot play for his country.

Messi has embraced the captain’s armband for Argentina, and flourished with it, scoring nine goals from as many internationals.

His hat-trick against Brazil at the weekend gave him 82 goals for the season, and pushed him closer to retaining the Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo meanwhile, needs a stellar Euro 2012 if he is to pip Messi for football’s top individual award.

There are still two group games to go for Ronaldo to assert himself, and perhaps the knockout stage to follow.

But after Portugal’s damp squib display against the Germans, and Messi’s goal rush weekend, the pressure on Ronaldo to perform for himself and his country has ratcheted up a notch.

Italy coach please with a draw

\Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes that their 1-1 draw with Spain in their opening Euro 2012 match was a fair result.
The Italians were both sturdy in defence and exciting on attack and produced a performance that will surely fill their players with confidence.
Antonio Di Natale put the Italians ahead on the hour mark just moments after coming on as a substitute but Cesc Fabregas netted an equaliser four minutes later.
"I think it was the right result," Prandelli told Rai tv.
"There is a slight regret that we conceded so soon after we had scored.
"The important thing is that the players have done what I asked them. We played well and played as a team."
Di Natale has to wait patiently for his turn after Mario Balotelli was given a starting role, but the goalscorer was not worried about starting on the bench.
"I'm happy to have been able to score just a few minutes after coming onto the pitch," he added.
"I am at the disposal of the coach and I will play whenever it is possible. The draw was a good result for us." SoccerLaduma

Banyana's Olympic squad announced

The SA Sports Confederation an Olympic Committee has announced the Banyana Banyana squad for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Sascoc has revealed the 112-member initial team for the tournament today; the final team will be announced on July 4.

"Today's announcement is the culmination of four years of extremely hard work for everyone, both at Sascoc and in the broader South African sports fraternity," Sascoc President Gideon Sam says.

"I've always said that the building of a team is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. So today we are putting just about the final pieces of that puzzle into place with only a few more additions likely after the final qualification cut-off.

"Make no bones about it, we could have done better if we had more funding but that's always the case. The time for excuses is over and I believe that we have done the very best that we could have done under the circumstances.

"There was the criticism over the clothing sponsor but we believe we've done our absolute best and when you see our stars turn out at the Olympics and Paralympics I think you'll agree."

A total of 16 sporting codes will be represented, ranging from archery to weightlifting, and it will be the first time that Banyana Banyana will be competing.

Banyana squad
Roxanne Barker, Zamandosi Cele, Amanda Dlamini, Judith Hlumbane, Refiloe Jane, Kylie-Ann Louw, Noko Matlou, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Philadelphia Mndaweni, Portia Modise, Sanah Mollo, Robyn Moodaly, Marry Ntsweng, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Amanda Sister, Leandra Smeda, Janine van Wyk, Nothando Vilakazi.
KickoFF

Shabba: a must win

Bafana Bafana started their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign on a low note, forcing a draw against Ethiopia last Sunday, on home soil. On Sunday South Africa continue with their road to Brazil when they travel to Gaborone to take on Botswana at the University Sports Stadium.

The players are well aware that they will have to improve on last weekend’s performance going forward and that they cannot afford to have any more slip-ups in their qualifying campaign.

Speaking to the Siya crew, the national team vice captain, Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala, said that their mission is to win all the remaining games of their qualifying campaign. The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder said that the players are looking forward and focusing on bagging the win in Botswana.

"We were not happy with the results on Sunday and we have to forget that as soon as possible and move on. We have to win in Botswana and have a go at the top spot. All is not yet lost as this was our first game and we still have five games to fight for and that is why am saying we have to win on Saturday in Botswana, by all means. 

“The players have shown that they are professional and have remained positive despite the changes in the team. We have to remain positive and play to win in Botswana," Shabba expressed. Soccer-Laduma

Banyana draws against Nigeria

Banyana Banyana and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, in Phokeng, near Rustenburg today.

The South African women's team will face the Nigerians in a return friendly in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 23.

Experienced Nigerian striker Stella Chinyere's goal broke the deadlock 17 minutes after the break, after she latched on to a long overhead ball and ran into the penalty area, before netting despite the diving effort of Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker.

But the South Africans showed character and determination and were rewarded with an equaliser 12 minutes before full time, when a cross from the left found Portia Modise, who fired home from close range to net her 69th goal in her 90th appearance for Banyana.

This was also the third goal in as many matches for the Palace Super Falcons (Sasol League Free State) player, since returning to the national side. Modise played on the left-hand side of an attacking midfield – rather than her usual role up-front.

The South Africans suffered a setback before the start of the match when tough tackling central defender Janine van Wyk suffered an injury during the pre-match warm-up phase and was replaced. Refiloe Jane took over at right-back with regular fullback Zamandosi Cele moving to the centre of defence next to Amanda Sister.

The match marked the second game in charge for Nigerian coach Ikhana Kadiri, whose new-look Nigerian outfit would have been a bit of a surprise to the South Africans.

Goalkeeper and captain Dede Uzoaru, midfielders Ebere Ngozi and Mbachu Chinyere, plus striker Oparanozie Ugochi were the only familiar names from the Nigerian side that lifted the African Women Championship 2010 trophy in Ekurhuleni.

Banyana XI v Nigeria: Roxanne Barker, Nothando Vilakazi, Amanda Sister, Refiloe Jane, Zamandosi Cele, Kylie-Ann Louw, Amanda Dlamini (c), Mary Ntsweng (Skiti 77th), Andisiwe Mgcoyi (Mollo 53rd), Noko Matlou (Smeda 75th), Portia Modise. KIck-Off

Hunt interested in Bafana Job

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has admitted he would be interested in succeeding Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana coach. 

Mosimane's fate was sealed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a winless run of seven matches culminated in the 1-1 draw with Ethiopia on Sunday.

Steve Komphela will take charge of the World Cup qualifier against Botswana on Saturday, with Moroka Swallows boss Gordon Igesund believed to be the front-runner to take the job on a permanent basis.

But Hunt – who has led SuperSport United to three PSL titles since joining in 2007 – says he would also relish the opportunity to revive Bafana's fortunes, although he has yet to be contacted by anyone from Safa.

"I'd definitely be interested," he tells KickOff.com.

"No I've not had any contact but I wouldn't expect that at this stage. Obviously it's a good opportunity for someone to come in there now and take over. My name has been bandied about but I'm certainly not lobbying for the job. They must pick the best man that they think is available. But I think I've got enough experience, for sure."

A late goal from Katlego Mphela rescued a point on Saturday but it was not enough to save former SuperSport boss Mosimane. And Hunt acknowledged that he was not surprised by Safa's decision to wield the axe.

"The results have been disappointing for some time," he says.

"I think we should still make it through the group but you then have to play off the 10 best teams in Africa so it's not going to be easy [to qualify]. The game against Botswana is now very important but I think we should win."

Hunt was interviewed for the post in 2009 after the sacking of Joel Santana, before Carlos Alberto Parreira was eventually handed the reins for the 2010 World Cup.

He reveals there is a clause in his contract to leave SuperSport should the Bafana post be offered to him.

"There is clauses in the contract to get out easily," he says, before passing his best wishes on to Komphela for this weekend.

"I wish him well. I'm sure things will improve – there's always an upswing when you get a new coach."  Kick-Off

Mosimane axed!

The Siya crew can reveal that Pitso Mosimane has been fired as the head coach of Bafana Bafana and that Steve Komphela will take over the reigns for the World Cup qualifier against Botswana this weekend and the Gabon friendly. SAFA CEO, Robin Petersen, confirmed the sacking.
It was reported by the crew earlier today that Pitso was on thin ice at the helm of Bafana and it can now be confirmed that he has been relieved of his duties, as has his assistant coach, Jairo Leal.
A string of bad results have heaped a lot of pressure on the former SuperSport United coach and the failure to reach the 2012 Afcon finals was a huge blight on his reputation, with the embarrassing 1-1 draw against Ethiopia this weekend being the final nail in his coffin.
Siya sources have explained that SAFA are preparing to speak to Moroka Swallows coach Gordon Igesund, who has emerged as an early favourite for the vacant post. However, Igesund is currently away in China with Swallows so they will have to wait until he arrives back in Mzansi before approaching him.
Other than Igesund there is already list of local names being banded about the corridors at SAFA House with Steve Komphela being touted to stay on after the Botswana game and Gavin Hunt also being mentioned with regards to the role.
From an international perspective Carlos Queiroz’s name has been mentioned and it is thought that Ruud Krol is also in with an outside chance of being considered. Soccer Laduma

"Ferreira convinced me"

Wits' new signing, Matthew Pattison, has cited Jose Ferreira as one of the main reasons for him joining The Clever Boys.

The Siya crew broke the news this weekend that Pattison had signed a long-term deal with The Students after he brought a premature end to his time with Santos last month. There was interest in the midfielder from other clubs in South Africa as well as in the UK, but the 25-year-old has told the crew that Wits is a perfect move for him. 

He said, “I’m very happy. As soon as Jose Ferreira got in touch I was keen to go, because he’s there. They’re a good club who play the right way and maybe just need that little bit more experience in order to achieve great things. I think that I’ll fit in well, they’ve got good coaches there which is another reason why I chose them. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Fans of The Clever Boys will be hoping that the former Newcastle United and Norwich City man is not the only impressive signing that the club make during the off-season and will be keen to see what lies ahead for their side. Soccer Laduma

Pitso to be axed?

Pitso Mosimane might not be coaching Bafana next weekend.

News filtering through to the Siya Crew is that Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane, could well be ousted before the Botswana World Cup qualifier this weekend.

After a high level meeting, attended by the ‘Iron Duke’, Dr Irvin Khoza himself, and top ranking members and officials of Safa, it is believed that Pitso may soon be relieved of his position as head coach, more than likely before the Botswana game.

 

SAFA is said to be straining under the pressure of an enormous outcry from the South African public as well as signs of displeasure coming from sections of the government, who expect something to be done because of the result against Ethiopia.

 

It seems someone has to take the fall and Pitso is at the front of the firing line.  Keeping check in with Soccer-Laduma to get the latest as this story unfolds. Soccer-Laduma

Brazil clinch the 8-Nation International Tournament

Brazil overcame Argentina 2-0 in the Final of the 8-Nation International Tournament at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, needing extra-time to overcome their old foes.

The match got off to an energetic and fast-paced start with play flowing end to end between the two evenly matched opponents.

Brazil had the first chance when Joao Filipo's free kick was tipped over by Walter Benitez.

At the other end Argentine midfielder Alan Ruiz came even closer when his free kick forced Matheus de Oliveira into making a full stretched dive to keep the ball out of goal.

Four minutes later and Benitez was again in action as he rushed out to beat Adelmison Bispo Jnr to a long ball, the Argentine keeper giving away a free kick just outside the box after bringing down his opponent, receiving a yellow card for his troubles.

Argentina then had two chances in quick succession as Carlos Ruiz had a near post drive saved before Jonathan Valle headed a powerful effort just wide.

Bispo Jnr looked up for it after the break and his lively runs soon had the Argentine defence under pressure.

It was from a corner though that Brazil came close to scoring as Misael Bueno went very close with his header, getting up well amongst a crowd of players.

In the 55th minute it was Argentina's turn to attack and Alan Ruiz nearly looped in a header, after he had done well to hang in the air long enough to make contact. KickOff

Bispo again demonstrated his pace on 63 minutes, stretching the Argentina defence before having his near post shot saved.

Ruiz then saw his curling and dipping drive miss by a few inches as chances on goal remained evenly shared.

The remainder of the 90 minutes remained tight, with no real clear-cut chances in the box the game went into 30 minutes of extra time.

It was Argentina who looked more dangerous in the first half of extra time, putting the Brazil goal under constant pressure, though not really coming close to scoring.

But it was Brazil who were to finally break the deadlock, just a minute into the second period of extra time as Bispo Jnr picked the ball up out wide, drove goal wards and then fired in a low left-footed drive from 18 yards.

Argentina came back strongly as they desperately tried to get back into the game.
But when Bispo Jnr went on another breathtaking solo run in the 115th minute it earned Brazil a penalty after he was brought down by Valle.

Felipe made no mistake from the spot to secure the 2-0 win for Brazil.

Bafana draws against Ethiopia

Bafana Bafana salvaged a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia after a second-half strike from Katlego Mphela in their 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday.
Bafana Bafana almost had a perfect start when Siyabonga Nomvethe was played through but his shot bounced just wide of the post.
Despite the early chance, the hosts were looking both nervous and rushed in the final third as they struggled to break through the determined Ethiopian defence.
The visitors, on the other hand, were happy to soak up the pressure and when they received the ball they put together some snappy passes and looked dangerous on the counter.
Steven Pienaar floated in a superb free-kick in the 11th minute which Bongani Khumalo came storming in for but the goalkeeper pushed it over with his fingertips.
Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was then tested with a fairly simple shot on one such break early on when Saladin Said got some space in the area but scuffed his shot.
Khune almost made a comical error in the 19th minute when his clearance smashed into the striker but the ball bounced wide of the goal.
Ethiopia would then snatch the lead when Siphiwe Tshabalala played a horrible pass to Tsepo Masilela in the 28th minute and Said nipped in before thundering a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
Bafana then suffered another blow when Masilela had to come off after just half an hour of play and was replaced by Punch Masenamela.
Katlego Mphela tested the goalkeeper with a powerful long-range free-kick which the stopper spilled but he dived onto the rebound to prevent the on-rushing South Africans from poking home as the visitors remained in the lead.
Bafana continued to struggle in the final few minutes and another effort from the lively Said flashed just wide of the target with Khune scrambling.
It was more of the same after the break with Bafana struggling to break through and Ethiopia goalkeeper took a boot to the face in the 51st minute after a desperate slide from Nomvethe.
Mphela would then nod wide in the 55th minute Killer forced a brilliant save from the goalkeeper when he glanced on a sublime cross from Pienaar in the 63rd minute.
Masenamela was lively in the second period and constantly found space down the left but Ethiopia had packed the area with players and Bafana continued to struggle.
The hosts would finally restore their hope with just over 10 minutes to go when Mphela muscled his way past his defender and curled a shot into the far corner.
Pienaar should have put the hosts ahead moments later when he was found inside the area with loads of space but he side-footed the chance wide.
Bafana had a late free-kick which came to nothing in the five minutes of stoppage time and Ethiopia stood firm to secure a valuable away point while coach Pitso Mosimane is now without a win in seven games. Soccer Laduma

City releases Hargreaves

Injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves was released by Manchester City on Tuesday after making just four appearances during his only season at the Premier League champions.
City unexpectedly gave the former England international a short-term deal last August after he was released by Manchester United, where he failed to complete a game in three years.
A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and United, Hargreaves joined City after resorting to posting videos on YouTube showing himself working in a gym and running to prove his fitness.
The 31-year-old Canadian-born player has played 42 times for England, but has been dogged by knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries.
His last appearance was in City's 3-2 loss to United in the FA Cup on January 8 when he played the last eight minutes. Sport24

Santos beat Thanda

A first-half goal from Eleazar Rodgers gave Santos a 1-0 win over Thanda Royal Zulu in the opening promotion/relegation play-off match at the Richards Bay Sports Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The National First Division side enjoyed a lively start to the game but were unable to make the most of their chances before Santos came into the game.
The vital moment arrived when Salmaan King scuffed a shot into the penalty area and Rodgers got a vital touch to divert the ball into the bottom corner.
The People's Team were creating the better chances and King flashed a shot just wide of the post before Rodgers nodded wide of the mark.
Nasief Morris would go even closer moments later when he got up to meet a corner and powered a header against the woodwork at the far post.
Thanda Royal Zulu tried to get back into the game in the final five minutes of the half, but besides a low cross across the face of goal which Dembo Touray had to palm away, the Santos goal was hardly troubled.
The hosts also suffered a blow with defender Sipho Made and winger Khumbulani Mdluli coming off injured.
The second-half saw Thanda Royal Zulu continue to play some lively and entertaining football but their inability to find a killer pass or cross meant that Santos were easily able to clear in defence.
The first real chance came from Tefo Xowana rifled a low shot at goal from outside the area which was stopped by Touray before Morris made a vital block after a goalmouth scramble in the 61st minute. The hosts tried to follow it up but it was blasted over the crossbar.
Thanda Royal Zulu were storming forward for most of the half and with around four minutes to go a diagonal pass was almost latched onto but Touray stood firm and it bounced of his legs and up into his gloves.
Dominic Isaacs enjoyed a rare chance for the Cape Town side with two minutes to go but it was well saved before Touray ensured that Santos claimed the spoils when a sublime stop to tip a fierce drive from Lehumo Itshegetseng around the post. Soccer-Laduma

Cosmos lose players

Cosmos were recently relegated out of South Africa’s elite league and, as expected, they will have to sell some of their better players who will not want to take the step down to the second tier of domestic football.

According to Soccer-Laduma sources close to the club revealed that the club is looking to market some of their players, including the likes of Ousmane Berthe, Gladwin Shitolo and Siyabonga Nhlapo, to overseas-based clubs.

Malian defender Berthe has long been linked with a move abroad and Shitolo’s future remains unknown, however German club Hoffenheim has been touted as a possible destination for Nhlapo.

Cosmos boss, Jomo Sono, would not confirm nor deny that they are looking to send the players abroad, although said that he would shed some light on the situation in the future. Sono explained, “We will give information later when we have concluded some talks with interested clubs.”

In line with the club’s past strategies, Cosmos are likely to loan some of their players out to local clubs, although Sono admitted that he would prefer retaining the bulk of his squad.

Meanwhile, Sono refuted reports that the club’s striker, Siyabonga Nontshinga, had signed for either Mamelodi Sundowns or Maritzburg United. Soccer Laduma

Chiefs sign young keeper

Former Amazulu keeper joins Kaizer Chiefs.

According to Soccer Laduma, Kaizer Chiefs have penned a deal with AmaZulu goalkeeper Nhlanhla ‘Casillas’ Khuzwayo. It was reported in January, in Soccer-Laduma’s issue 755, that the Soweto giants were keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old, with the club having now secured their target.

Khuzwayo spent a successful season on loan with National First Division outfit Thanda Royal Zulu and seems to have convinced the Chiefs technical team that he can add value to their star-studded squad.

In a statement released by Usuthu, the club’s general manager, Peter O’Connor, confirmed that the Under-23 international will be joining the Naturena-based side in the new season.

“Seeing that Kapini has another three years with us, it was agreed that we would release Casillas because he wouldn’t be playing as the first choice goal keeper. So to enable him to get more game time we have decided to allow him to join Chiefs after they had approached us for his services,” said O’Connor. 

Following the disappointing season Chiefs had, the club is expected to part ways with some of the players that did not add value to the team, including goalkeepers Kabelo Metsimetsi and Thela Ngobeni.

With Metsimetsi and Ngobeni set to leave the Amakhosi, the club will see Khuzwayo as an understudy to Itumeleng Khune and Arthur Bartman, and a talent for the future.

The Durban-based club went on to confirm that left-back Moses Chavula and striker Stanton Lewis have had their contracts terminated after mutual consent. Soccer Laduma

Maurinho stays at Madrid

Jose Mourinho has signed a contract extension with Real Madrid.

The Special One made good on his task at the Bernabeu this season, beating Barcelona to the league title.

But all season long speculation suggested Mourinho would leave Real before his contact expired.

It has been suggested that had he led Los Blancos to the Champions League title, he would indeed have quit the club.

Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to return to the English Premier League in the future, and Chelsea had hoped to lure him back to Stamford Bridge.

But Mourinho, who was given unprecedented power at Real in order to usurp Barca as Spanish champions, has now nipped the speculation in the bud.

He has put pen to paper on a contract extension which will keep him at the Bernabeu for two more years at least.

48-year-old Mourinho will now strive to retain Real’s league crown, as well as add a third Champions League title to his glittering trophy collection. Soccer-Laduma

Chelsea beat Bayern on Penalties

Drogba celebrates after scoring the winning penalty.

Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history after beating Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion on penalties in Munich on Saturday night.
The suggestion that it was ‘written in the stars’ certainly looked to be true as the Germans were almost rampant throughout but missed a string of glorious chances, including a penalty in extra-time, as the Blues secured victory at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern dominated that opening stages of the game and Bastian Schweinsteiger saw an early effort blocked by Gary Cahill before Toni Kroos saw his strike spin wide.
The Blues were stuck in their own half but Bayern's shooting was wayward. Mario Gomez had half a chance in the 19th minute but he lost control on the turn before Arjen Robben was denied the opener by the feet of Petr Cech.
Thomas Mueller followed up with a fantastic volley which flew just wide in the 36th minute. Chelsea would finally enjoy their first chance two minutes later when Salomon Kalou tested Manuel Neuer with a powerful drive to the near post.
The Blues looked nervous at the back though and Gomez should have fired Bayern ahead with three minutes left in the half as he did brilliantly to turn Cahill but blazed his shot miles over.
A mistake from David Luiz let Robben through on goal two minutes after the break but the brilliant Ashley Cole came flying to stop the danger.
Cole would then block a shot from Robben in the 54th minute and Ribery tucked away the rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The England left-back would then make yet another telling block in the 60th minute to frustrate Robben was again before Philipp Lahnm went down under pressure from Didier Drogba but the referee rightfully waved play on.
The seemingly unbeatable Cole was in the way once more in the 70th minute to keep Kroos' effort from nestling in the back of the net before Kalou had a header blocked after a superb cross from Jose Bosingwa.
Drogba almost created a moment of brilliance when he left Anatoliy Tymoschuk for dead but his low drive across the area found nobody.
Cech had to tip a cross over the bar in the 76th minute before Mueller was guilty of another miss when he was found in the area and scuffed the shot wide.
The forward would make amends with seven minutes to go when he nodded the ball down with his face and it bounced over the head of Cech and in at the near post.
Chelsea responded perfectly though and six minutes later as Mata swung in a perfect corner and Drogba powerful header found the top corner via the hand of Neuer.
The Ivoirian had a chance to score the winner with the last kick of the game in regulation time but his free-kick flew high into the stands as it went into extra-time.
The drama continued at the start of extra-time with Fernando Torres making a superb run to the area and it led to shot from Mata being blocked.
Drogba then went from hero to villain at the other end with a silly challenge from behind on Ribery which resulted in a penalty. Bayern were not able to make the most of it though as Cech saved Robben's effort from the spot.
Ivica Olic should have won it in the 108th minute when he was picked out free at the far post but he decided to cross instead of shoot and it dribbled wide.
Luiz had to hack another chance clear with eight minutes to go and no more chances came as the game would be decided by penalties.
Bayern again took the early advantage in the shootout when Mata saw his effort saved but Cech made a spectacular save to deny Olic and Schweinsteiger would go on to hit the post with their fifth and final spot-kick. Again all eyes were on Drogba and he calmly sent Neuer the wrong way to secure the trophy for Chelsea. Soccer-Laduma

Josephs and Rodgers pull out of Bafana

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs and Santos striker, Eleazar Rodgers, have requested to be withdrawn from the 30-man Bafana Bafana squad currently holding camp in Phokeng.

Although the two players have requested to be withdrawn, they have for very different reasons.

Josephs’ representatives have sent a letter to the South African Football Association (SAFA) stating that the 32-year-old will not be able to honour his national team call up or any in future. The statement cited personal reasons behind his decision.

The letter did, however, request a meeting with head coach Pitso Mosimane and the team manager to explain the decision. The coach subsequently asked the player to personally submit his request.

Rodgers on the other hand, is wanted by his club, Santos, as they prepare for the PSL/NFD promotional playoffs. The Cape-based side will be in action on May 23, May 30, June 17 and June 23, as they look to maintain their PSL status.

19 players have already reported to the Bafana camp, including overseas-based Anele Ngcongca, Bongani Khumalo. Soccer-Laduma

5 in a row for Klate

Daine Klate clinched his fifth consecutive league title this weekend after Orlando Pirates claimed their second successive Absa Premiership title on the last day of the season.

Klate won three league titles under the guidance of coach Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United before making the move to the Sea Robbers, where he has subsequently been a key figure in the team’s back-to-back treble winning campaigns.

After winning his fifth title, Klate told the Siya crew that he is not sure how he will celebrate the achievement. However, he said that he would be with his family.

"As of now I have to celebrate with my teammates and enjoy the moment. As for winning the fifth league title, I am not yet sure how I will celebrate as I have to go to my family first and see what we can do.

“I also thank God for helping me achieve what I have achieved and also thank God for helping Orlando Pirates achieve what it has achieved. It has been a tremendous team effort and you can see the fruits it’s bearing now,” expressed a joyous Klate. Soccer-Laduma

Bucs do it again

Orlando Pirates secured a historic second straight treble with a 4-2 victory over Golden Arrows in the final game of the season on Saturday.
Benni McCarthy bagged a brace in a thrilling contest at Moses Mabhida Stadium, adding the Premiership crown to Pirates' MTN8 and Telkom Knockout honours this term.
McCarthy, who ends the campaign with 13 goals in all competitions, joined teammates Lucky Lekgwathi and Siyabonga Sangweni on the scoresheet, while fellow veterans Dillon Sheppard and Katlego Mashego netted for the hosts.
In a tense first half, Arrows threatened first as Siyabonga Nkosi's low shot drew a block from Moeneeb Josephs 10 minutes in.
At the other end, Tlou Segolela sabotaged a promising counter when his poor cross bypassed Thulasizwe Mbuyane shortly after.
Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba then came within a whisker of scoring an own goal in the 17th minute, with his wild clearance beating Josephs but not the upright following a left-wing cross by Mzuvukile Tom.
The Sea Robbers, though, drew first blood through Lekgwathi in the 26th minute. The Bucs skipper launched himself to head in a weighted cross by Segolela from the right.
But the lead was short-lived as winger Sheppard hit back with a long range strike seconds later. Josephs was at serious fault as the bouncing ball squeezed past him.
Abafana Bes'thende took control two minutes later as Mashego - on loan from Pirates - curled in a free-kick from 30 yards out. Arrows substitute Thamsanqa Gabuza was bizarrely sent off from the bench for an overzealous goal celebration.
The visitors then came close to equalising through shots from Mbuyane and McCarthy, but keeper Helton Da Rocha made two sharp stops.
However, Bucs got their reward in the 40th minute as former Arrows skipper Sangweni powered in a telling right-wing cross from Daine Klate, leaving it 2-2 at the break.
Pirates went in search of a winner at the restart, with Andile Jali thundering high and wide from range before McCarthy headed a Segolela cross over in the 55th minute.
Bafana Bafana's record scorer, though, was not to be denied when he headed in a long throw from Rooi Mahamutsa in the 61st minute.
The Buccaneers continued to dicate the pace and were rarely troubled, with Arrows suffering a blow when Siyanda Zwane was stretchered off late on.
McCarthy then put the result and title race beyond doubt with a fantastic curling free-kick in injury time. Soccer-Laduma

Mwaruwari for Chiefs?

Benjani as he is called in England

According to Soccer-Laduma, former Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City striker, Benjani Mwaruwari, may postpone his retirement after interest in his services emerged from non-other than Kaizer Chiefs!

The 33-year-old Zimbabwean, who started his career at Jomo Cosmos, has reached the end of his contract with Pompey and is seriously considering a return to South Africa, this time with PSL giants Amakhosi!

Mwariwari was previously linked with a move back to Jomo Cosmos, but the club's relegation to the National First Division put a halt to that. He's now looking at joining Chiefs to complete his illustrious career.

Sources close to the club say it's a match made in heaven, but revealed that talks are still in their infancy stages. Soccer-Laduma

Johnson might coach P.Stars

Platinum Stars have promised caretaker coach Cavin Johnson they will consider his application for the post full-time when they pick a new coach in the off-season.

Johnson, together with co-coach Allan Freese, has engineered a remarkable turnaround for the team after the controversy surrounding previous coach Owen da Gama.

"We are going to have a discussion and prioritise it for early next season," club general manager Jason Raine says. "We haven't done anything yet because we were still in with a chance of making the top eight this Saturday and we didn't want to distract from that."

Raine says the club have been given an extensive pile of CVs of coaches, both locally and from around the world, by various agents and will go through them thoroughly.

"Then we'll pick who looks interesting and go through an interview process."

Among the candidates already being touted is the German coach Michael Kruger, who had previous success in African club competition in recent years with Al Merriekh of Sudan, and who has also worked in Egypt and Tunisia.

But Johnson could be the front runner. He has already previously served as a caretaker coach at Ajax Cape Town and enhanced his status with Stars' strong run of form in recent weeks.

"He's got to be a strong candidate because he has done a remarkable job," added Raine.

Johnson and Freese came in as caretakers when Da Gama was suspended for allegedly demanding money from players.

Da Gama was found not guilty at the end of a drawn out investigation but left the club anyway.  Kickoff

Suprise call up for Rodgers

Santos striker Eleazar Rodgers has admitted that his call-up to Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad has come as a ‘surprise’ but is ‘grateful for the opportunity’.

The 27-year-old forward has netted 12 goals for The People’s Team this term and is second on the Absa Premiership goal scoring charts.

The list of names called-up to the Bafana Bafana squad was announced early on Thursday morning as Mosimane prepares to build a squad fit for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“It came as a surprise. I obviously had a fairly good season where the goals are concerned and that is what the team needed right now,” Rodgers told Kickoff.com.

“I think it was a matter of time that I would get the call-up and I am just grateful for the opportunity.”

South Africa are set to play Ethiopia on June 3 and Botswana just half a dozen days later.

Rodgers was selected alongside fellow forwards Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Orlando Pirates) and the league’s highest scorer Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows). 

Season ends for Anele

Bafana Bafana fullback Anele Ngcongca will finish his league season in Belgium on Sunday but his hopes of helping Racing Genk to the Uefa Champions League again have been already been dashed.

Ngcongca, who has been one of the mainstays of the unfashionable provincial club’s ascent to the top of Belgian football in recent years, could also be playing his last game in Belgium.

Their match on Sunday away at AA Ghent, the club who bought Valery Nahayo from Kaizer Chiefs last year, is their final one of the post-season play-off campaign.

Genk had been hoping to finish as runners-up to already crowned champions Anderlecht but a loss last Thursday to Club Brugge means they finish third.

Ngcongca’s club have 41 points to 49 for Anderlecht and 45 for runners-up Brugge. The top two finishers in Belgium qualify to compete in next season’s Uefa Champions League but Genk have to now console themselves with a place in the Uefa Europa League next season.

They made it to the group phase of the Champions League this season where they were in the same group as finalists Chelsea.

The 24-year-old from Gugulethu has been at Genk for almost five years and still has two more years left on his contract.

But there is growing speculation in the Belgian media that he will be heralded to turkey next season.

Ngcongca has long been on the shopping list of Turkish clubs, particularly since impressing in friendly matches against local opposition when Genk have been to Turkey for their pre-season and winter training camps. Supersport.com

Milan sign Traore and Montolivo



AC Milan have confirmed the double signing of Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traore.

The Rossoneri are on a mission to rebuild after conceding their Serie A crown to Juventus, and the signing of Montolivo in particular is a feather in their cap.

The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed a successful seven-year stint at Fiorentina, during which time he played in the Champions League, and played for Italy at the last World Cup.

Fiorentina were desperate to convince Montolivo- whose contract was about to expire- to sign at least a one-year contract extension. But with his heart set on joining the Rossoneri, Montolivo broke off negotiations with the Viola months ago.

Montolivo has now passed a medical at the San Siro, and signed a four-year contract with AC Milan.

27-year-old Mali midfielder Traore has also signed a four-year deal after leaving French club Nancy as a free agent. Soccer Laduma