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

RVP not sure about his future

Arsene Wenger did not manage to coax a commitment from Robin van Persie after face-to-face talks on Wednesday, the British media is reporting.

Dutch striker van Persie is heading into the last year of his contract with Arsenal, and the Gunners are anxious to tie their skipper down for the long-term.

The consensus is that Arsenal cannot afford to lose van Persie - who scored 37 goals in all competitions last season- at any price, if they are to mount a trophy challenge next season.

Van Persie wanted reassurances from Wenger that Arsenal will be able to meet his ambitions in the next campaign and thereafter.

Wenger is believed to have suggested that the signing of Lukas Podolski and other transfer targets will make the Gunners contenders again. But it has been reported that van Persie left the meeting unconvinced.

With teams like Juventus, Manchester City and Barcelona all allegedly keen on luring RVP away from the Emirates, Wenger may need to up his game significantly if he is to keep hold of his best player.

A new weekly salary of £130,000 is said to have been offered to van Persie, but that may not be enough to keep the Dutchman in North London.

He can earn as much, if not more, at his reported suitors. And unless Wenger can assure the striker that good times are afoot the Gunners, he could be hotfooting it from the Emirates to seek his fortune elsewhere like Cesc Fabregas. Soccer Laduma 

U/23 to play Argentina

South Africa’s Under-20 side will have to take on the likes of Argentina, Ghana and Nigeria in a friendly tournament to take place in Cape Town this month.

The Under-20 tournament will run from May 25 to June 3 and will see eight nations go head-to-head as they seek to prove their dominance in the youth scene.

Cape Town Stadium will host some of the games between the eight clubs but Amajita may have a tough job on their hands if they are to get through their group stage when they will face the South American giants, La Albiceleste, and the African powerhouses, The Eagles and The Black Stars.

The other group will see Japan, Cameroon and Kenya take on the mighty Brazil for places in the next round of the tournament, with the top two of each group making it through to the semi-finals. soccer Laduma

Bafana squad anounced

Pitso Mosimane during the press conference

The Bafana Bafana squad to play against Ethiopia on June 3 and Botswana six days later in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers has been announced – Siyabonga Nomvete is back in the fold.

The squad is:

GOALKEEPERS - Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns)

DEFENDERS - Bongani Khumalo (Tottenham Hotspur), Tsepo Masilela (Getafe), Siyabonga Sangweni (Orlando Pirates)
Punch Masenamela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Kaizer Chiefs), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Club Genk), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Erick Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic)

MIDFIELDERS - Steven Pienaar (Everton), Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane (both Kaizer Chiefs), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam), Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa (both Orlando Pirates), Teko Modise, Lebohang Mokoena (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), May Mahlangu (Helsingborg IF), Mzikayise Mashaba (Free State Stars)

STRIKERS - Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Eleazar Rodgers (Santos)

On standby: Thamsanqa Sangweni (Amazulu), Lehlohonolo Masalesa (Wits), Luvhengo Mungomeni (Moroka Swallows) Kickoff

Chiefs signs Gaxa

Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, have confirmed the signing of Lierse SK’s Bafana Bafana international, Siboniso Gaxa.

The Siya crew reported earlier today on the Soccer-Laduma web and mobi-site that the 28-year-old was due to start training with Amakhosi tomorrow and it has now been confirmed on the club’s website that Gaxa has officially signed a contract with them.

A statement on the Chiefs website read, “Kaizer Chiefs would like to confirm the signing of Bafana Bafana international, Siboniso Gaxa from Belgium based side, Lierse SK. The highly rated 28-year-old defender has agreed to a three-year contract and with an option to renew for one year with the Soweto giants, becoming Chiefs’ first signing in preparation for next season.”

Gaxa was given his Bafana debut back in 2005 by Chiefs’ recently appointed coach, Stuart Baxter, and it is thought that the two are happy to be getting the opportunity to work together once again.

The former SuperSport United defender, who also played for Mamelodi Sundowns, has established himself as a Bafana regular and will be seen as an exceptional acquisition for the Glamour Boys. Soccer Laduma

Cosmos go down again

Cosmos relegated
Jomo Cosmos were relegated from the Premier Soccer League after a dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Black Leopards at the Sinaba Stadium on Wednesday.
Cosmos found themselves two goals down after a brace from Mongezi Bobe but they struck twice late on to bring things level, but it was not enough as they moved out of reach of second-placed Santos.
Lidoda Duvha were fairly solid in defence at the start and although there was some encouraging play from Ezenkosi, both sides mostly produced thumping shots which lacked accuracy throughout the first 45 minutes.
Katlego Loke had a great chance for the hosts in the ninth when he came into the area from the right and lashed a curling shot at goal but it swerved against the crossbar.
Matthew Rusike followed up with a chance soon after as he latched onto a drilled ball across the area but with some time to line up his shot, he hammered it over the crossbar.
Mongezi Bobe probably had the best opportunity for the visitors in the 25th minute but he rifled a shot way off target while Alois Ngwerume followed that example at the other end moments later when he was found in a great area but tried to pop the ball with a thunderous strike and instead sliced it wide.
Leopards had produced a few more efforts that did sail goalwards but it was nothing more than catching practice for Cosmos goalkeeper Avril Phali as the game remained locked at 0-0.
The second-half exploded into life and Leopards were lucky to have 11 men on the pitch after Humphrey Khoza seemed to have handled the ball on the line after Azwindini Maphaha was beaten.
Referee Robert Sithole followed up with an equally poor call when Kingston Nkhatha was hauled down after a mistake at the back allowed him to surge through but the referee waved play on.
Leopards would then start piling the dirt on Cosmos' coffin when Bobe latched onto a cross from Raymond Monama in the 72nd minute and got a vital touch to get it into the bottom corner.
Bobe would then double their advantage four minutes later when he curled a sublime strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area as it look as though Lidoda Duvha had secured their safety.
Cosmos continued to fight though and scrambled a ball home in the 84th minute through Tshidiso Tukane which gave the hosts some hope.
Rusike the pulled the game level five minutes later when he was slipped in on the left and drilled his finish through the legs of the goalkeeper.
The hosts pressed in stoppage time and Rusike came within inches of securing the win for Cosmos but he was just unable to reach a low pass across the face of goal.
The result means that Cosmos have been relegated from the Premier Soccer League while Leopards will be kicking themselves as their safety will now go down to the final day of the season when they take on Ajax Cape Town. Soccer Laduma

Leopards make last 16

Black Leopards are through to the last 16 of the CAF Confederation Cup after they beat Warri Wolves 2-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Leopards advanced to the next stage of the competition on the away goal rule, after they lost 3-1 in the first leg in Nigeria a fortnight ago.

Zimbabwean striker Kingston Nkatha proved to be the hero for Lidoda Duvha, scoring in each half for the win.

The home side deserved the win as they dominated from the first to last whistle, with midfielder Raymond Monama a marvel to watch in the middle of the park.

Despite their success in Africa, Leopards are still fighting relegation at home, and have to win both their remaining matches in the Premiership. Kickoff

Cosmos in danger

It is a huge evening for Jomo Cosmos on Wednesday: they must beat Black Leopards if they are to have any hope of avoiding direct relegation.

The teams meet at Sinaba Stadium, kick-off at 7.30pm.

Cosmos picked up a 1-1 draw at home to Maritzburg in their last League outing, extending their winless streak to seven matches.

Ezenkosi have picked up just one win from their 14 home matches this season – two wins in total – and are 16th on the log with 18 points from 28 matches.

Meanwhile, Leopards played to a goalless draw away to Bidvest Wits in their last League outing, extending their winless streak to five matches.

The Limpopo side has picked up three away wins from their previous 14 away matches this season.

Lidoda Duvha are 14th on the log with 25 points from 28 matches, and will secure a place in the top-flight next season if they win.

In head-to-head stats, Cosmos and Leopards have met in 15 League matches since 2001/02, and each side has five wins. There have also been five draws, and even the goals scored stats are close: 19 for Leopards, 18 for Cosmos.

When the teams met earlier this season in Limpopo they played to a 1-1 draw.
Cosmos' line-up from their 1-1 draw with Maritzburg: Phali, Kobola, Matete, Shitolo, Loke (Burds 83), Haskins (B Sono 77), Samb, S Nhlapo, Tshabalala, Mkwanazi, Nontshinga (Meiring 82)

Leopards' line-up from their 0-0 draw with Wits: Maphaha, Dzaga, Khoza, Mabusela, Xakane, Ramagalela, Banda, Duiker, Mapolisa (Taaibos 70), Monama (Obaje 50), Nkatha. Kickoff

CAF Champions League round-up

CAF Champions League title holders Esperance, Etoile du Sahel, TP Mazembe and Zamalek are among those who qualified to the last eight during the weekend while Coton Sport and Maghreb Fes crashed out.  

Below are results from the return leg round of eight of the 2012 Caf Champions League played during the weekend of May 11 to 13.

AFAD Djekanou (Cote d'Ivoire) 1–0 Etoile Sahel (Tunisia) (1-4)
Cote D'Ivoire's last surviving representatives in the Caf Champions League, AFAD Djekanou, were eliminated on Saturday in Abidjan despite a lone-goal victory over visiting Etoile Sahel. Kouadio Henri Joel's 60th minute strike was short of covering the Ivorians' 4-1 deficit from the first leg against the North Africans, ending both legs at a 4-2 aggregate.

Al Merreikh (Sudan) 1–1 TP Mazembe (DR Congo) (0-2)
The 2009 and 2010 champions TP Mazembe held Sudan's topflights Al Merreikh to a 1-1 draw to coast to the group phase following the Congolese 2-0 lead from the first leg. Zambia international midfielder Nathan Sinkala opened the scoring for the Corbeaux just before the hour mark only to have it cancelled out 15 minutes later by Nigerian-import Kelechi Osunwa.

ASO Chlef (Algeria) 1–1(4-2 pen.) Al Hilal (Sudan) (1-1)  
Algeria's Chlef scrambled a narrow win at home over visiting Al Hilal of Sudan after a perfect 2-2 draw on aggregate that resulted in a nerve-racking penalty shootout going in favour of the hosts 4-2. Alaa Eldin Yousif silenced the Stade Mohamed Boumezrag with his 33rd minute goal, which the Algerians managed to level nine minutes from fulltime thanks to Karim Hadji.

Dynamos (Zimbabwe) 1–1 Esperance Tunis (Tunisia) (0-6)
A 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe's champions Dynamos was more than enough to hand title holders Esperance a ticket to the next round of the competition following their whopping 6-0 win in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago. Khaled Ayari shot the Tunisians in the lead in 45 minutes but Denver Mukamba pulled level for the hosts seven minutes from time.

Coton Sport (Cameroon) 1–2 Berekum Chelsea (Ghana) (0-0)
Cameroon champions Coton Sport have bowed out of this year's Caf Champions League after falling 2-1 at home to Ghanaian representatives Berekum Chelsea. Emmanuel Clottey and Mohammed Abdul Basit scored for the visitors while Jacques Haman successfully transformed a penalty awarded to his side in 83 minutes.

Sunshine Stars (Nigeria) 1–0 Djoliba AC (Mali) (1-1)
Nigeria's Sunshine Stars kicked Malian side Djoliba from the competition with a lone-goal win after both teams settled their first meeting in a 1-1 draw two weeks ago in Bamako, where the Nigerian delegation was left stranded for days following renewed political violence in the city. Sunshine's goal came through Izu Azuka in the 35th minute.

Zamalek (Egypt) 2–0 MAS Fes (Morocco) (2-0)
Hassan Shehata-led Zamalek easily crushed the 2012 Caf Super Cup winners MAS Fes home and away on a 4-0 aggregate to qualify for the mini-league phase. Midfielders Ibrahim Salah and Hazem Mohamed Emam scored for the Egyptians.

Al Ahly (Egypt) x–x Stade Malien (Mali) (0-1)
Postponed till Monday May 14 upon a request from Al Ahly, who were held back in Mali for four days after the first leg following the country's political crisis. Kickoff

Dortmund get double

Fans of Dortmund celebrate after their team's win

Borussia Dortmund thrashed Bayern Munich 5-2 en route to completing their first league and cup double with victory in the DFB-Pokal final.
In the battle for supremacy in German football it was Dortmund who were on the front foot early as Shinji Kagawa scored the opener just three minutes into proceedings.
Arjen Robben levelled from the spot before three unanswered goals, one from Mats Hummels and two from Robert Lewandowski, put Dortmund well ahead of their rivals.
Franck Ribery reduced the arrears before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick to restore the three goal lead.
It was a terrible start from Bayern, who have one eye on claiming Champions League glory next weekend, as Kagawa snuck in to convert Jakub Blaszczykowski's low cross.
Roman Weidenfeller brought Mario Gomez down inside the area in the 25^th minute to provide Robben with the opportunity to level from the spot, which he happily obliged.
Bayern then gave away a penalty of their own as Jerome Boateng felled Blaszczykowski which allowed former Bavarian, Hummels, to hammer home a penalty.
Lewandowski’s first goal of the evening came in first half stoppage time as he put the finishing touches on a swift counter-attack.
Dortmund put significant daylight between the two sides in the 58^th minute as Lewandowski coolly finished after being played in by Kevin Grosskreutz.
Bayern endeavoured to rescue the tie but could only manage a single goal from Ribery inthe 76^th minute before Lewandowski capped off proceedings with his hat-trick goal five minutes later. Soccer Laduma

Juventus clinch serie A title

Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero marked his final game for Juventus with a goal as the Serie A winners ended their season with a 3-1 over Atalanta. It was a superb end to the season for Juve who broke AC Milan’s record of 42 matches unbeaten as they finished the campaign without a defeat.
Milan, meanwhile, also claimed victory on the final day of the season as Filippo Inzaghi and Mathieu Flamini scored in a 2-1 win over Novara at the San Siro. Santiago Garcia scored the goal for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough as their relegation was already confirmed.
Udinese claimed third place, and with it a place in next season’s Champions League as Antonio Di Natale and Diego Fabbrini helped them to a 2-0 win over Catania.
Lazio were consigned to fourth place and a shot at the Europa League despite coming from behind to claim a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan. Diego Milito put the Nerazzurri ahead early, but goals from Libor Kozak, Antonio Candreva and Stefano Mauri gave Lazio the points. Inter Milan still ended the season in sixth place.
Roma coach Luis Enrique enjoyed his final game in charge of the club as they secured a 3-2 victory over last-placed Cesena to finish seventh on the table.
Parma secured their seventh consecutive victory of the season as Jonathan Biabiany scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Bologna with the teams ending eighth and ninth respectively.
Genoa secured 17th place, and their safety in the Italian top flight, as they bagged a 2-0 win over Palermo where Giuseppe Sculli and Alberto Gilardino got the goals.
A brace from former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena helped Napoli to a 2-1 over Siena after Mattia Destro had given the visitors an early lead.
Kamil Vacek scored the winner for Chievo as they consigned Lecce to relegation along with Novara and Cesena. Soccer laduma

Madrid finish with a record 100 La Liga points

Real Madrid rounded their season off in style with a 4-1 win over Mallorca on Sunday night.
Cristiano Ronaldo took his season tally to 46 goals by opening the scoring and a strikes from Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil (brace) completed the win. Gonzalo Castro scored for the visitors.
The victory saw Madrid finish on a record 121 goals this season as well as finish with 100 points after 38 games - having won 32 of their games this season.
The match saw Madrid firing from the start and Gonazlo Higuain was denied the opener in the sixth minute after a goal was ruled out in a controversial offside decision.
Sami Khedira then saw his effort blocked in the seventh minute before the hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute.
Ronaldo got onto the end of a terrific cross from Marcelo ad powered his header home. Four minutes later they would celebrate once more when Ronaldo, Higuain and Benzema combined with the Frenchman capping off the move.
Raul Albiol replaced Alvaro Arbeloa due to injury before the break but the hosts remained in control in the second-half with Ozil slotting home a loose ball four minutes in to make it 3-0.
Mallorca hit back two minutes later when Castro rifled a shot past Iker Casillas but Ozil was not done yet and tucked away another good cross from Marcelo on the hour mark.
Los Blancos saw out the remainder of the match without too much trouble to bring a fitting end to their title-winning season. Soccer Laduma

Dramatic win for City

City players celebrate after a super win at Etihad stadium to clinch the EPL

Manchester City won their first Premier League title in 44 years thanks to a dramatic 3-2 win over 10-man QPR at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Pablo Zabaleta gave the Citizens the lead but goals from Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie on either side of the sending off of Joey Barton put QPR ahead. Edin Dzeko then equalised in the 90th minute and Sergio Aguero netted a dramatic winner in the 94th minute.
City showed their intentions from the start as they controlled the game but despite their possession, they were struggling to get through the QPR defence.
Kenny did well to stop an effort from David Silva before Cisse tested Joe Hart with a free-kick.
The first goal would then arrive in the 39th minute when a limping Yaya Toure fed the ball through Zabaleta who saw his effort palmed up by the goalkeeper and it snuck over the line.
QPR would hit back after the break though when a mistake from Joleon Lescott found Cisse who smashed his shot home.
The match would then boil over when Barton was involved in an off-the-ball incident with Carlos Tevez and then went off in anger where he hit Sergio Aguero with a knee before attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany.
Kenny would deny Samir Nasri with his legs in the 56th minute before pulling off an amazing double save two minutes later.
QPR would then take the lead in a rare counter-attack when Macki nodded in a pin-point cross from Traore.
The visitors were sitting back trying to defend their lead and it looked as if they would do just that as the game approached stoppage time but Edin Dzeko would not in their 18th corner in the 90th minute to restore their hope.
City were pouring forward and with just over a minute to go Aguero latched onto the ball in the area and smashed his shot home to spark a massive celebration. Soccer Laduma

Igesund happy with three points

Two contenders of the PSL player of the season celebrate their teams victory against Platinum Stars.

Moroka Swallows coach Gordon Igesund says the three points are all that matter following his team's 2-1 win over Platinum Stars on Saturday.
The Dube Birds, who trail PSL leaders Orlando Pirates by two points with a game to go, clinched victory via a Siyabonga Nomvethe brace at Dobsonville Stadium.
Igesund's men were stretched in the latter stages of the tie, with Henrico Botes slotting a 73rd minute penalty following a red-card offence by Luvhengo Mungomeni.
"We made it difficult for ourselves," said Igesund.
"In the second half we panicked a bit and should have kept possession better. But it's not easy to play with 10 men for 25 minutes, and at the end of the day it's a great result. We can't do anything more than win.
"We'll approach our last game (at Maritzburg United) in the same way," added the four-time PSL-winner. Soccer Laduma

Ama Tuks to play in the PSL

University of Pretoria will be playing in the Premiership next season.

Despite losing 3-2 against Mpumalanga Black Aces, AmaTuks are six points clear of second placed Blackburn Rovers with one game left to play.

Two first half goals from Phumelele Bhengu and one in second from Liniker Nwikisa gave Aces the much-needed three points, but they are still not out of the relegation zone with 30 points.

Atlie FC had a great start to the game when Phumudzo Manenzhe scored in the first minute to give them the lead against Sivutsa Stars. However, they could not hang on to the lead and let in a late goal from Sakhile Mkhalipha in the 75th minute to level the scores.

Atlie stay bottom with 27 points, while Sivutsa move to 12th.

Bay United beat Witbank Spurs 1-0, and stay in the relegation zone. United are in 14th place with 31 points, while Spurs move down to 11th with 34.

Dynamos also got a much needed win when they beat FC AK 4-3 at home. Dynamos are now on 31 points while FC AK's chances of a Play-off place hit a stumbling block, as they move down to fifth.

Chippa United broke Blackburn Rovers' hearts when they beat the title contenders 2-0. Rovers will not get automatically promoted to the Premiership, but are still in with a chance of a Play-off place.

United occupy the last Play-off place with 48 points, while Rovers stay second with 49.

Thanda Royal Zulu kept the pressure up on Chippa, who are currently third. Thanda thashed Vasco da Gama 4-1 to move to 47 points. Vasco remain sixth with 42 points and cannot make it to the Play-offs.

FC Cape Town beat United FC 1-0 and remain one above United in eighth.

Carara Kicks jumped to 10th place when they beat African Warriors 2-1.

With the promotion spot having been decided, focus will now change to the Play-off spots, as well as the bottom of the table, where four teams still have a chance of being relegated with just one game left to be played next weekend. Kickoff

Chiefs get late win in Free State

Kaizer Chiefs left it late but a goal in the final minute of the match from Josta Dladla handed the Amakhosi a 2-1 win over Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership match at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win is their third in a row under caretakers coach Ace Khuse and Doctor Khumalo.


It was not the best performance of the season from Chiefs, but they ground out the victory despite not seeing much of the ball in both the second and the first half.


The result though, despite being a win, is not enough to see the Glamour Boys in with a shout of the league title after both Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates won their respective matches on the day.


Both team took a cautious approach from the first whistle as neither wanted to give away too much early on.


The first half was little boring as neither side was really adventurous in attack and rather looked to keep hold of the ball.


Whit a lot at stake for both teams and neither willing to accept defeat with a chance of the league title on the line, albeit a slim one, both teams took a cautious approach to the game.


This resulted in the start of the game being a little slow and unadventurous in attack from both teams as both looked to keep hold of possession.


The away team’s best chance on goal came in the 28th minute when a swift passing move saw Bernard Parker in space inside the 18-yard area, but he miss-fired his 12-yard shot inches wide of the upright when he should have scored.


Free State punished Parker’s miss four minutes later when Soriola Gege gave the home side the lead.


Makola played a perfect pass to find Gege unmarked inside the box and he made no mistake with a clinical finish from six-yards out, 1-0, taking the Ea Lla Koto into the half time break in the lead.


The second half saw Free State control the game well as they shut down the Amakhosi in the midfield and denied them of space.


Chiefs grew frustrated and gave possession away too cheaply allowing Stars to have the better chances in attack, but the Ea Lla Koto forgot their shooting boots in the second 45.


In the 56th minute Edward Magqele let fly from 20-yards but he saw his effort go over the crossbar. Five minutes later and Zakari Morou also tried his luck from outside the box, but his shot produced the same result.


Manqele should have scored in the 70th minute but he squandered his golden chance from 12-yards out firing wide with the goal at his mercy. Kickoff

Yaya Toure wants to end his career back at Barcelona.

The Ivorian international midfielder may be the man of the moment at Manchester City, and he wants to help them win many titles during his time at the Etihad.

But when it comes time for him to leave the current EPL leaders, Toure wants to go back to Barcelona.

The 28-year-old midfielder enjoyed three stunning seasons at the Camp Nou before joining City for an estimated £24 million in 2010.

He took his champion’s mentality with him to the Etihad, and has become one of the best players in the English Premier League.

But Barca still occupies a major place in Toure’s heart and he longs to return there one day.

"I said two years ago that I would return. It's been the most important team for me and if they call you don't think twice. I love Barcelona,” Toure said on RAC1 radio.

"In the press conference I did when I left I said I would return, in life you never know what will happen tomorrow, it's been the team of my life and I would like to finish my sporting career here. If I could return, it would be great.''

Toure believes that Barca will be in good hands under Tito Vilanova next season, but admits to his surprise when Pep Guardiola decided to quit as Barca boss.

"It was a little strange, because Guardiola has been a key person in the success of Barca in all these years. But we are all human and despite having done phenomenal things, he has decided to go,” he said.

"I know Tito very well and I think that he will apply the same philosophy as Pep. Tito is also a very good person, with a very similar idea of football. I think Tito is a good coach as well.'' Soccer Laduma

Tito is Pefect: Puyol

Tito Vilanova is the ideal person to replace Pep Guardiola as Barcelona coach to continue developing the Catalan club's eye-catching brand of football, Carles Puyol said on Saturday.

Vilanova is to step up from assistant to take the reins at the Camp Nou next season after Guardiola announced on Friday he would not be continuing beyond the end of the current campaign. After an astonishing four-year reign, during which he led Barça to 13 titles, including two Champions League triumphs, Guardiola said he needed to take time out to recharge his batteries.

"We all wanted Pep to continue," Puyol, the captain, told a news conference on Saturday. "Once he had decided to go for the reasons he gave, which we understand and respect, the best news we could have had was that Tito Vilanova would be staying.

"It's a blow Guardiola is going, but Tito staying means the project continues. Tito knows the team better than anyone, knows a great deal about football, and understands the philosophy perfectly. He is the ideal person to continue the project."

Vilanova, a former Barça youth team player, has been assistant to his close personal friend Guardiola for the last five years, starting out with him in the dugout with the Barcelona B team. Puyol thanked Guardiola for what he achieved with the club and admitted no one in the squad had any idea he was not going to renew his contract.

"We hadn't picked it up at all, a week ago I would have bet everything on Pep continuing," the Spain defender said. "We have to thank Pep for everything he has given us. He marks a before and an after in football."

In the past week, Barça were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea and saw their chances of winning a fourth consecutive La Liga crown all but disappear when they lost 2-1 at home to Real Madrid last weekend.

They travel to Madrid to play Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday, seven points behind Real, who host Sevilla earlier that day, with four matches left to play.

However, they still have the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, whom they beat to lift the trophy in 2009, which offers the chance for a 14th title of the Guardiola era before he leaves. "You are always motivated to win a title," Puyol added, "but now what we want to do, is to win it for him." The Guardian