Mambas await SA

Amabinneplaas, the South African national squad, will meet Mozambique in the final of the Cosafa Senior Challenge after beating Zambia 1-0 at Thulamahashe Stadium in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, last night. Lefa Tsutsulupa, the Moroka Swallows’ midfielder, scored the solitary goal . Click here for more...

SHEPPY IN THE FRAY

Downs’ forgotten star out to shine
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Dillon Sheppard has been through a rough time in the past eight months, but the left-footed midfielder cannot wait to snatch his chance in this Saturday’s Telkom Charity Cup in Mafikeng. Sheppard sustained a horrific injury eight months ago, and with the signing of high-fliers Sibusiso Zuma and Benedict Vilakazi stealing the headlines, Sheppard’s return to action in pre-season has been rather low key. Click here for more

CHARITY CUP: HERE'S THE DRAW

This weekend Mmabato Stadium in the North West will be abuzz with excited supporters as the Top Four battle it out for the top prize. The teams that will face-off in the Telkom Charity Cup on Saturday are: Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars. Click here for more

6 GOING TO MAN-UNITED

The dreams of 6 lucky Shona Khona recruits have become a reality after they were chosen to visit Manchester United Football club in August. Clearly overwhelmed with emotions, 14 year old Mogorosi Mmethi said, "I feel very happy because I needed this thing, I don’t even know what to say." Click here for more

RED DEVILS: TEAM WITH A BIG HEART

Manchester United is donating R450,000 to disadvantaged South Africans who require cataract surgery. This cash was raised by the Red Devils pledging their support for the Vodacom Challenge ’Goals for Miracles’ initiative, under which the cellphone company paid out R50,000 per goal scored during regulation time. Click here for more

MY BOYS WERE TIRED, SAYS MUHSIN

Red Devils toy with Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral believes that minor injuries and fatigue to some of his key players resulted in his side’s loss to Manchester United in the Vodacom Challenge at the weekend. He thinks the derby against Orlando Pirates took a lot out of his players, who were reduced to amateurs by the Red Devils, who played this final game as a practise match. Click here for more

Chiefs meet Devils

Amakhosi beat Bucs 2-0 in derby
TUSSLE: Pirates’ Benson Mhlongo and Chiefs’ Jimmy Tau fight for the ball in the Vodacom Challenge at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth last night. Chiefs won 2-0. Photo: Abbey Sebetha
The best club in Europe and the teams of the Soweto derby will wow soccer lovers in the final of the Vodacom Challenge tomorrow.
Manchester United and Kaizer Chiefs are the two clubs that will battle for the Kudu Horn in this yearly off-season friendly cup competition at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.
This is the same venue where Chiefs beat United. Click here for more

'DO IT FOR THE FANS'

Chiefs, Bucs need to find the net more
When there is a potential for a big soccer match down the road, there is always the possibility of a letdown before to that match. Such is the case prior to the final of the Vodacom Challenge cup, which will take place at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday. Click here for more

Alarm bells

Change of ref worries Downs
Mamelodi Sundowns’ executive technical director Ted Dumitru says they intend lodging a formal complaint to CAF over the abrupt changing of officials in their second leg Confederations Cup match on Saturday. Click here for more

BUCS CAN'T MATCH DEVILS

United beat Soweto giants once again

After drawing against Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town last Saturday, Manchester United vented their fury on Orlando Pirates, pipping them 1-0 in the second match of the Vodacom Challenge in Durban last night.

The match was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Kings Park Rugby Stadium. Click here for more

Shona Khona’s soccer whizzkids

We’ve all heard of names like Steven Pienaar, Jeffrey Ntuka, and Masilo Modhubi. One thing that these soccer stars have in common is that they’re all graduates of the School of Excellence in Johannesburg. There’s now a young group of players that are poised to take over the reigns with their dazzling soccer wizardry. Representing the country from all 9 provinces, these youngsters were the few chosen from many that tried out for a spot at the prestigious School of Excellence. Click here for more...

WEB TV: Spotlight on Sibusiso Zuma

A Sowetan Online Exclusive
Striker Sibusiso Zuma opens up about his family, his ‘embarrassment of riches’, his return to Msanzi after 8 years overseas - and how he thinks South African football can improve...
WATCH & ENJOY: In his own words, as filmed in our Web TV studio. To view these clips, click here

DEVILS MAY CRY

Kaizer Chiefs’ acrobatic goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is confident that his side will beat Manchester United, the European and English Premiership champions. The two meet in the lucrative Vodacom Challenge at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town tomorrow afternoon.... Click here for more

‘NO NEED TO PANIC'

Stofile allays fears about SA’s readiness.
Next year’s Confederations Cup will be a great platform for South Africa to prove to people around the globe that the 2010 World Cup will definitely be a roaring success.
This is according to Makhenkesi Stofile, the minister of sports and recreation, who is adamant South Africa is well on track with preparations for the World Cup.
The minister has also urged South Africans to rally behind the Local Organising Committee in their preparations for the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
In an interview with Ramatsiyi Moholoa (RM), Makhenkesi Stofile (MS) said they were monitoring the preparations of the two events on a regular basis. Click here for more...

PREMIERSHIP - SEASON REVIEW

Great season of mixed fortunes...
The teams, the players, the coaches - who performed, who flopped. Find out with Ramatsiyi Moholoa's end of season review... Click here

Pitch Moves

Awi - A throw in.

Scissors - A bicycle/overhead kick.

Bebeto - (Origin: Bebeto was a Brazilian striker who scored in the first ever meeting between SA and Brazil.) Side way scissor kick.

Huku - A corner kick.

Inkomo - A player who runs straight with the ball but struggles to make a turn after being tackled.

Khweli Hashe -(Pronounced ukhwele ihashe) Meaning to ride a horse. When a defender is behind the striker, the striker will move the ball back and front - the defender will move back and forth as if he is riding a horse.

Show me your number - Pretending to take a shot so that your opponent can turn, therefore showing you their jersey number.

Spytwoo or Shibobo - Putting the ball between the opponents legs.

Tsamaya - Putting your feet on the ball, holding the ball still and moving it back and forward, shaming the opposition

Want to move like a soccer player?

Click here to see how it's done.

Jomo has a solution

While the Premier Soccer League hopes to address the complexities of the National First Division for the coming season, Jomo Sono believes the issue should first be left in the hands of the clubs involved. For more click here...

Kit

Diski- Soccer Balls
Kousi - Socks
Skindi - Shorts


Digathara - Shin Guards



Skipa - Jersey


Toks - Boots



Matswele - Soccer boots studs

Teams

Amagluglug - The South African under-23 national soccer team.

Ajax Cape Town - The Urban Warriors AmaZulu - Usuthu

Amajita - South Africa's under-20 national soccer team.

Bafana Bafana - "The boys the boys". South Africa's national soccer team.

Banyana Banyana - "The girls the girls". South Africa's national womens soccer team.

Basetsana - South African under-20 womens soccer team.

BidVest Wits - 'The Clever Boys'

Black Leopards - Lidoda Duvha

Bloemfontein Celtic - Phunya Sele Sele

Free State Stars - Ea Lla Koto

Golden Arrows - Abafana Bes'thende

Jomo Cosmos - 'Ezenkosi'

Kaizer Chiefs - Amakhosi

Moroka Swallows - The Beautiful Birds

Orlando Pirates - Buccaneers

Platinum Stars - 'The Lions of the North'

Santos FC - The People's Team

Mamelodi Sundowns - The Brazillians

SuperSport United - 'Matsatsantse a Pitori'

Thanda Royal Zulu - 'Amabhubesi'

Soccer Chat

Doing a Benni - Origins: Saying comes from the formerly much-lauded Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy's "uncharitable habit of turning his back on his country", following many instances of failing to turn-up to play for South Africa's national soccer squad. Means showing disloyalty and being irresponsible.

Inkomo - A wack (bad) soccer player.

Khanjana - A match ticket.

Laduma - A cheer to celebrate when a goal has been scored.

MIB - Refers to the Referee.

Scheme - Refers to the starting line-up. Uses: "What's the scheme for Bafana Bafana?"

Vuvuzela - A large plastic trumpet blown enthusiastically at soccer matches.

This has become a uniquely South African experience

Soccer, football, diski, the beautiful game – call it what you may – is South Africa’s staple pastime. It no doubt brings out the best and well, sometimes, the worst in us. On big, or even not-so-big match days the excitement is palpable as all descend on the various stadiums. Click here for more...

Grandstand

THE GHOST OF ORLAND PIRATES
“In football there are 11 players, but there is another player that makes a huge difference - and that person is called the fan.” We introduce you to a die-hard Orlando Pirates supporter, Calvin Cook. Click here to view the video.

How Do I - Learn the basics of soccer from dribbling the ball to scoring a goal

How do I run with the ball? Our experts show us how to run with a soccer ball with more control.
How do I turn with the ball? - Manoeuvre the ball away from opponents by using this technique. Check how this is done

How do I dribble a soccer ball? - You wanna dribble the ball but feel like you got two left feet... Learn how to do this correctly with the help of our expert soccer coach and his team

How do I score a goal? - Become the ultimate goal scorer with these tips.

How do I perform a penalty kick? - Our expert and his soccer team show us how to score a penalty kick

How do I juggle a soccer ball? - Learn how to juggle a soccer ball correctly

How do I head a ball? - Learn how to 'head' a ball with tips from the expert


HERE'S A WAY TO SAVE FOR THE 2010 TICKETS
Finance Minister Trevor Manuel says football fans can save for their 2010 World Cup expenses - and for their future - by buying government’s Retail Bonds. Click here for more

Players' Nicknames

Kaizer Motaung - "Chincha Guluva"
Ephraim Sono - “Jomo/Trouble Maker/Black Prince”
Irwin Khoza - "Iron Duke"
Jack Sello - "Big Daddy"
Thomas Hlongwane - "Who's Fooling Who"
Andrew Ngubane - "Professor"
Patrick Pule Ntsoelengoe - "Ace/Mabheka Phantsi"
Nelson Dladla - "Teenage/Botsotso"
Jan Lechaba - "Malombo"
Moren Khulu - "Samora"
Mafa Nduli - "Ace"
Cyprian Maimane - "Mahala"
Lucas Radebe - "Rhuu"
Sibusiso Zuma - "Rhee" or "Zuma the Puma"
Brian Baloyi - “Spyderman”
Neil Tovey - "Mokoko"
Patson Banda - “Kamuzu/The Black Cat/Sparks”
Jabu Pule/Mahlangu- “Problem Child/Shuffle”
Gift Leremi - "Zorro/Continental"
Mike Mangena - “Sporo”
Marks Maponyane - “Go man go”
Trevor Mthimkhulu - "Kae kapa kae /Triple K"
Zebulon Nhlapo - "Sputla "
Johannes Molatedi - "Chippa/Telephone exchange "
Johnny Masegela - "Black Sunday”
Vincent Makroti - "Last born"
Rabi Moripe - "Bambezela siyajika"
Mandla Sithole - "Metroblitz"
Guts Lekhuleng - 21 Jump Street "
Petrus Mokgatle - "Stopper"
Mark Anderson - "Doom/Lesilo Rula"
Andy Karajinski - "Jesus"
Patrick Wasmuth - "Sgantsontso"
Harold Legodi - "Jazzy Queen "
Harris Choeu - "TV4"
Mike Ntombela - "Nanana"
Lucky Molefe - "Oshkosh"
Johannes Moday - "Bricks"
Daniel Modau - "Mambush"
Mike Mhlanga - "Lollipop"
Cedric Xulu - "Sugar Ray "
Doctor Khumalo - "16 V"
Linda Buthelezi - "Mercedes Benz"
Brendan Silent - "20/20"
Simon Lehoko - "The Bull"
Webster Lechaba - "City late"
Tarvner Hartze - Dancing shoes"
Shaka Ngcobo - "Valdez is coming"
Jingles Perreira - "Mama ka Sbongile"
Helman Mkhalele - "Midnight Express"
Mongezi Joel Mnini - "Ace/Mkhuthuzi"
Milton Nkosi - "Walk tall"
Nick Seshweni - "Bazooka"
Johanes Makhathini - "Roadblock"
Thomas Hlongwane - "Who's fooling who"
Ernest Chirwali - "Wire"
Joseph Rapelego - "Maneloh"
Lovemore Chafunywa - "Rambo"
Amos Mkhari - "Heel Extension"
Zacharia Lamola - "Maria Maria/Computer"
Nkosi Molala - “Let Them Dance”
Bashin Mahlangu - “Ayashis’ amateki”
Ephraim Mashaba - “Shakes”
Johannes Khomane - “Yster"
Phil Setshedi - “Mr Jones”
Joseph Setlhodi - “Banks”
Kagiso Mohale - “Zero”
Pitso Mosimane - “Jingles”
Lawrence Siyangaphi - "Sister Monica”
Andries Mpondo - “Chaka Chaka”
Alex Bapela - “Barnes”
Joel Masilela - “Fire”
Elias Mokopane - “Shuffle"
Daniel Mudau - “Mambush”
Pollen Ndlanya - “Trompies"
Jerry Sikhosana - “Legs of Thunder”
Lawrence Maake - “Killer”
Lesley Manyathela - " Slow Poison"
Aubrey Leokwane - "Sense of knowledge"
Ernest Makhanya - "Botsotso"
Sello Mhlangu - "Page"
Errol Sweeney(referee) - "The hanging judge"
Moeneeb Josephs - "Slim Kat"
Calvin Kadi - "Dolezar"
Moses Spandeel - "Mara"
Katlego Mashego - "Mahoota"
Siphiwe Mkhoza - "Skizo"
Arthur Zwane - "10111"
John Moshoeu - "Shoes"
Edward Malinga - "Madiba"
Jonathan Armogam - "JJ"
Phil Evans - "Lekgowa"
Sandile Ndlovu - "AK-47"
Steve Lekoelea - "Chippa"
Aaron Mokoena - "Mbazo"
Mbulelo Mabizela - "OJ"
Nkosinathi Nhleko - "Chippa"
Stanton Fredericks - "Stiga"
Isaac Kungoane - “Shakes”
Mark Fish - “Feeesh”
Phil Masinga - “Chippa”
Samuel Khambule - “Ewie”
Chris Katongo - "Tsunami"
Ernst Middendorp - "Mazinyo.Com"
Sipho Sephadi - "Spaghetti"
Lucky Mhlathe - "LaCoste"
Dikgang Mabalane - "Terminator"
Johannes Mofokeng - "Ryder"
Meshack Mukwevho - "Touch"
John Mabizela - "OJ"
Quinton Fortune - "The Phantom"
Siyabonga Nomvete - "Bhele"
Tsholofelo Modise - "Teko/Deco"
Lesley Manyathela - "Slow Poison"
Benedict Vilakazi - "Botsotso/Tso/Little Napoleon"
Lungisani Lionel Ndlela - "Cut & Paste"
Bryan Aldave - "Cabeza"
Fanyana Dhladhla - "Fire"
Koketso Mmotong - Mnini"
Thando Mngomeni - "Kanu"
Manqoba Ngwenya - "Shakes"
Esrom Nyandoro - "Yellowman"
Josta Dladla - "JD"
Dillon Sheppard - "Sheppy"
Phelani Innocent Mpangase - "JJ"
Peter Shere Lekgothoane - "Scorpion"
Dumisa Ngobe - "Isiphithiphithi"
Zane Moosa - "Magic Feet"
Steve Mokone - "Kalamazoo"
Fetsi Molatedi - "Chippa"
Archie Radebe - "Juluka"
Clive Barker - "The Dog"
Rowen Fernandez - "Spider"
Godfrey Sepula - "Godfather"
Hareaipha Simba Marumo - "Rastaman"
Emmanuel Asanda Ngobese - "Scara"
Isaac Mabotsa - "Yster"
Rudi Charles Isaacs - "Boucher"
Maimane Alfred Phiri - "Ngubo"
Ian Wright (ENG) - "Dr Jerkyll"
Romario (BRA) - "Shorty"
Ronaldo (BRA) - "Phenomenon"
Pelé (BRA) - "King"
Diego Maradona (ARG) - "Pelusa (Dishevelled One)"
Ruud Gullit (HOL) - "Black Tulip"
Paul Gascoigne (ENG) - "Gazza"
Roberto Baggio (ITA) - "Golden Ponytail"
David Beckham (ENG) - "Spice Boy, Becks, Goldenballs, DB7"
Ronaldinho - "The One Man Show"
Franz Beckenbaeur - "The Kaiser"