Rio The Horny Devil

Manchester United could field a team of love rats it seems, with Rio Ferdinand its captain.

The former Red Devils skipper has lost his High Court privacy action, over a scandalous article published by theSunday Mirror last year.

In the article, interior designer Carly Storey revealed that she had been having a 13-year relationship with married defender Ferdinand. Storey was paid 16,000 pounds by the newspaper for her expose.

Ferdinand had asked the court to award him 50, 000 pounds in damages, as well as a worldwide gagging order on the story.

But the judge in the case ruled against him, explaining that the judgement " favours the defendant's right of freedom of expression over the claimant's right of privacy." 

Ferdinand has checkered past, although he insists he is a reformed party animal.

However, alongside Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young- who ditched his long-time fiancee for another woman shortly after signing for United- he makes one wonder if the Red Devils should actually be referred to as the 'Horny' Devils.

Bobby Motaung denies reports that Jimmy Tau has quit captaincy after fight with Vladimir Vermezovic

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has vehemently denied a report that Jimmy Tau has quit as captain of the team, amid reports to the contrary.

The Times reports that "Jimmy Tau has quit as captain of Kaizer Chiefs – for as long as Vladimir Vermezovic remains the club's coach," but Motaung is adamant Tau has not quit.

"I spoke to Jimmy and he says he doesn’t know anything about it. There is nothing like that," Motaung confirms

The Times, however, reports it has: "reliably learnt that Tau, who joined Chiefs from Orlando Pirates in 2005, sent an email to the Amakhosi management yesterday notifying them that he no longer wanted to captain the team. The email was sent in the emotional aftermath of a shock 2-1 defeat of Chiefs by Golden Arrows on Wednesday night."

It is further alleged in the report that Vermezovic ridiculed Tau in front of the rest of the Chiefs players, telling him he was "not a good leader, and fails to reprimand his fellow players".

In a report carried on KickOff.com on Thursday, Vermezovic took a swipe at his players for shifting the responsibility to George Lebese to take the penalty that could have earned Chiefs a point against Arrows.

The youngster shot wide, much to Vermezovic's disappointment.

However, Motaung insists Tau is staying on as captain.

Tévez to be sold for £20m in January

Having been suspended for two weeks by City on Wednesday evening as a result of his refusal to play as a substitute against Bayern Munich 24 hours earlier — a show of defiance which prompted manager Roberto Mancini to declare that Tévez was 'finished’ as a City player — the Argentine was absent from training on Thursday as the first-team squad prepared for tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn.

But with City launching a full investigation into the incident at the Allianz Arena, which is expected to take up to seven working days, the likelihood of anything but an imperfect solution to the situation has become evident to all parties involved.

The prospect of City sacking Tévez for his actions in Munich has receded because of the difficulty in proving that the player refused to follow Mancini’s instructions. Attempts to interview players sat on the bench with Tévez at the time are viewed as being unlikely to result in team-mates being able, or willing, to state categorically that the former City captain refused to play as a substitute.

City’s Abu Dhabi hierarchy, in tandem with Mancini, are also reluctant to allow an asset — valued at £50 million during the summer — to leave the club for nothing, especially when the cost of replacing him with Van Persie could exceed £20 million.

The prospect of a protracted legal battle with Tévez should his contract be cancelled is another factor in City’s increasing reluctance to sack the player. An uneasy truce is expected to be struck that sees Tévez, Mancini and City officials agree to lower the temperature at Eastlands until January, although the prospect of the player returning to the first-team fold, in games or training, is highly unlikely. 

City could impose a fine of six-weeks’ wages totalling approximately £1.2 million, however, as a result of his behaviour in Munich. Currently, fines in excess of two weeks’ wages must be approved by the Professional Footballers’ Association.

While Mancini’s stance on Tévez has not wavered since Tuesday evening, the Italian is prepared to consider Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko for a first-team recall at Ewood Park having initially insisted he would be dropped to the bench for a show of dissent in the wake of being substituted against Bayern.

Dzeko, a £27 million buy from Wolfsburg last January, cleared the air with Mancini on Thursday before issuing a statement on the club’s website to apologise for his actions.

Dzeko said: “I know my reaction was bad and I have spoken to the guys and to the coach as well. I have apologised for the reaction and Roberto has accepted it and said that everything is OK and that we have to be positive for the next game.

“I was unhappy because we were 2-0 down and I wanted to win the game. It was something special for me to go back to Germany where I played for a long time and I wanted to do well and wanted the team to do well. Things didn’t go well for us. That is why I was extra frustrated.”

Tévez is understood to have made it clear to City that he will not return to his native Argentina during the two week period of his club ban unless given explicit permission by the Eastlands hierarchy to do so.

Tévez has made several journeys back to Buenos Aires in recent months, but is expected to be omitted from the Argentina squad for the forthcoming fixtures against Chile and Venezuela due to coach Alex Sabella questioning the 27 year-old’s fitness. Sabella said: “He [Tévez] is not fully fit, and I’ve heard he’s not training well at the moment and put on a bit of weight. But that doesn’t mean to say he won’t be considered in the future.”

Tévez’s City and Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta, sat next to Tévez at the time of his refusal to play, has insisted that the former Manchester United forward should be helped by his club and team-mates.

“We need to try to help Carlos,” said Zabaleta. “He has been a really important player for us in the last two years, but maybe this season he has had more games on the bench. Sometimes that is difficult, and more so for strikers, who need to play, need to score, need to feel confidence.

“We need to accept that sometimes we are on the bench, but we always have to be looking to get into the team,” said Zabaleta, who also watched from the sidelines as City went down 2-0.

Scholes says he understands how Carlos Tévez feels

“I can see his point of view, yeah,” says the recently retired Manchester United midfielder.

“His state of mind will be that he’s being messed around by the manager. And you could say he’s got a case. He was far and away City’s best player last year.

"And he hasn’t featured this season. He’ll look at the Napoli game when they were struggling and he’s only been brought on with 10 minutes to go, he’ll see he’s been left out of the Everton game, he’ll watch [Mario] Balotelli coming in to the team instead of him and all that will rile him.

“He’d have thought he should be playing against Bayern Munich after theManchester City forwards didn’t play well against Everton. He is someone who wants to be playing.

He’ll think the manager’s taking the ---- out of him and he’ll reckon this is the only way he has of making a point.

FSS steal a win against Bucs

Noah Chivuta scored at the death to hand Free State Stars their first win over Orlando Pirates in over a decade on Wednesday.

Ea Lla Koto had last beaten the Buccaneers in 1998/99 – also by a 1-0 score line – until Chivuta struck in injury time to hand the Free State side a narrow but deserved victory.

It is Pirates' third loss in the Premiership this season and although there is still a long way to go in the championship race, their hopes of defending the title already look under threat.

The hosts could have opened the scoring in just the fourth minute, but full-back Rudiger Gilbert scooped his shot over the crossbar.

Pirates also had early shots at goal through Andile Jali and Ruben Cloete, but both were comfortably handled by Stars keeper Kennedy Mweene.

Chiefs lacked depth, composure, direction and didn't want to take responsibility

Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic claims his team's senior players were afraid to take the penalty that could have salvaged a point against Golden Arrows on Wednesday night.

Amakhosi lost 1-2, but had the opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a controversial penalty at the death.

Vermezovic says the seasoned campaigners in the team baulked at the responsibility and shifted it to "the youngest guy on the field", 22-year-old George Lebese, who shot wide.

"I'm very, very disappointed that none of the senior players wanted to take the penalty because they were afraid," 'VV' says.


"Normally 'Shabba' shoots penalties and also [Bernard] Parker, but Parker wasn't there because he came off … in life you have to take responsibility and I'm very disappointed because the senior guys didn't do it.

"George Lebese was at that moment the youngest guy on the field and he had to take responsibility and I'm very disappointed because of that," he says.

Vermezovic admitted, though, that Arrows were full value for their three points.

"We couldn't find a solution for their midfield in the first half and they penetrated very well. We conceded two stupid goals from set pieces. We knew that, but we didn't react well from the thrown-in and the corner that resulted in their goals.

"The second half was better, but it was not good enough … Maybe my players underestimated Golden Arrows," he says.

The Serbian also hinted that he would haul his players over the coals following the defeat to explain the "worst" performance in the first half.

"I understand that anybody can have a bad day, but not without running and fighting. I saw a couple of players who were pulling out of a challenge. I don't know why they played like that and we will discuss that," he says.

Frank Lampard says being relegated to the bench has made him more determined than ever to succeed

The 33 year-old was speaking after scoring the goal that earnedChelsea a crucial point against tough Spanish opposition. It was only his second start in five matches and there had been a debate over whether he would be included by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

"I always want to play, that’s a given," Lampard said later. "I’ve been like that throughout my career. I love playing for this club. I am very proud of playing here. I’ve had knocks before in my career ... it makes me worker harder to come back."

Although a point at the Mestalla is a result that Villas-Boas said he would have accepted before the contest, there was disappointment at the way in which Valencia were awarded a late penalty through Salomon Kalou’s handball.

"Qualification games in the group stage can be slightly bland at times but this was more exciting," Lampard said. "You have to find a middle ground of protecting your lead and playing attractive stuff. From our point of view it was a good performance although disappointing to lose that lead."

Villas-Boas added: "It was a good display by Lampard, who performed for the team and the team performed for him. The goal has come at a good time for him."

Sir Alex Ferguson fears complacency as he promises Euro rescue

The dramatic draw against Basle left Ferguson admitting that Unitedmust now “rescue” their Champions League campaign after garnering just two points from their opening two games.

“We played too many players too far forward at times, far too many, and though we prepared properly perhaps the players think they can do that against a team like Basle,” he said.

“It’s a possibility [that United have become complacent]. We left too many gaps between the defence and the back four. If we had concentrated on the defensive part, we would not have had any problems.

“We were careless throughout. Our attacking was very good, especially in the first half, but even then Basle could have scored three. It was a bit of a welcome to Europe for the young players.

“We are playing with an abandon at the moment. We have not had a problem, despite not being able to field a consistent back four, because the quality in forward positions has been enough to guarantee us goals.

"On Saturday [against Stoke], they knew they would have to defend in a certain way. They did very well then. Maybe here we needed a bit more concentration on that part.”

Ferguson revealed he had told his team – shorn of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans – that Basle “always have a goal in them” before the game.

Tévez’s behaviour is "beyond belief"

The Tottenham manager said the Argentine had “damaged” City and their chances of winning the Premier League, where they trail leaders Manchester United on goal difference.

“It was unbelievable. I felt sorry for Roberto Mancini to be put in that situation. It wasn’t right for Man City, it wasn’t right for football. I can’t believe it, it shouldn’t happen, it can’t happen,” he said.

“I just wonder what City legends like Malcolm Allison and Mike Summerbee would have thought of seeing a player refuse to play in a Champions League game. It is beyond belief.

“If you’re Manchester United and Chelsea and you’re thinking about winning the league, I think you would feel more confident about it today. It has damaged the football club.”

However, Redknapp cautioned that there were no good options facing Mancini and the Manchester City board as they wait for the transfer window to open on Jan 1

Tevez situation has potential for being a legal minefield that Manchester City will try to tackle

It states: “The Player agrees when directed by an authorised official of the Club to participate in any matches for which he is selected to play for the Club.”

The most immediate recourse the club has is to fine him the maximum two weeks wages, but it could seek to take more extreme action, including seeking to sack him for gross misconduct.

Does Tévez’s refusal constitute gross misconduct?

That is a moot point. Clause 10 of the Premier League players’ contract gives a club the right to sack players for gross misconduct, defined as “serious or persistent” conduct.

What about Tévez’s statement denying that he refused to play?

The statement was drafted by his lawyers to try and shore up his legal position, and specifically to deal with the repudiation point. By denying that he refused to take the field, and stating that he “is ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations” he denies both breach of contract, and makes it appear he intends to fulfil his contract in future.

So can City sack him?

They could, but would surrender his registration making Tévez a free agent and would be unable to recoup the £43 million spent on purchasing his economic rights from companies controlled by his agent, Kia Joorabchian, in a transfer fee.

Could they go to court to recoup the transfer fee?

They could try but Tévez and Joorabchian would doubtless resist. Tévez could also counter-sue for unfair dismissal.

Can City let him rot in the reserves?

They could try but they would be in breach of Fifa regulations that say players can only be left out on technical grounds, not because of a disagreement between player and coach.

What is the likeliest outcome?

If Tévez’s relationship with Mancini is irreparable clearly it’s preferable for all parties for City to command a fee in January – or seek a compromise.

Star players still bigger than the team they serve at Manchester City

Contrast that image with Patrice Evra’s scathing response to Wayne Rooney’s infamous statement, issued prior to Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Bursaspor in October, when the England forward cited the club’s diminishing ambition and weakening squad as justification for his decision to seek a move away from Old Trafford.

Evra spoke of the “hurt” inflicted by Rooney’s astonishing attack on the club before claiming, “If one player does not trust the other players, that player should not play. I am not like that as I trust everyone.”

Therein lies the difference between Manchester City and Manchester United, two clubs with equal ambition and stellar squads capable of delivering the silverware demanded and expected by owners and supporters alike.

When a United player casts his club in a negative light and becomes the enemy within, he is cut loose and castigated. At City, a fog of apathy descends to hide the fractures and the bad apple is allowed straight back into pot.

The lack of condemnation from Tévez’s team-mates following the player’s refusal to follow Roberto Mancini’s instruction and take to the field as a second-half substitute against Bayern was as conspicuous as the Argentine’s defiance. So why the reluctance to speak freely of their displeasure at Tévez’s behaviour?

Tevez faces the sack as Manchester City act following Argentine's refusal to play against Bayern

Following a day of talks involving manager Roberto Mancini, senior figures from the club’s hierarchy and City’s legal advisers, Tévez is expected to be told to stay away from the Carrington training ground on Thursday morning as an internal investigation is launched into the events at the Allianz Arena that resulted in Mancini claiming that the Argentine forward was “finished” and would “never” play for the club again.

City confirmed the punishment in a statement on Wednesday night. “The player’s suspension is pending a full review into his alleged conduct during Tuesday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich,” the statement said. “The player will not be considered for selection or take part in training whilst the review is under way.”

A fine of two weeks’ wages, the maximum allowed under Football Association regulations, is likely to cost the striker a basic £400,000.

Tévez’s attempts to forget his troubles and play golf backfired on Wednesday when he was turned away from Tytherington Golf Club in Cheshire with his wife because he had not booked a tee-off time and the course was full. He got in his Mercedes and headed back to his mansion in Alderley Edge.

City are determined to investigate Tuesday’s events, with players and coaching staff present on the substitutes’ bench at the time of the incident likely to be asked to provide observations, with television interviews also set to be reviewed.

Tevez denies refusing to play against Bayern Munich

Tevez angered manager Roberto Mancini when he appeared to refuse to leave the substitutes' bench and take the field during the second-half with City trailing 2-0.

Mancini later claimed the Argentinian would never play for him at Cityagain before saying he would consult the club's owner about the way forward.

But Tevez this morning claimed he did not refuse to play and also said he was ready to fulfil his obligations to the club.

Tevez said in his statement "I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich.

"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. 

"In Munich on Tuesday I had warmed up and was ready to play. This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.

"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood.

"Going forward I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."

Mancini said last night he would speak with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak in the next few days to decide what to do.

Mancini intended to introduce Tevez as a substitute for the final half an hour.

However, in a move that seems certain to trigger his eventual departure from the club, the 27-year-old appeared to simply say: "No."

"In the next days, we will speak with Khaldoon," said Mancini. "It is normal. He is the chairman. He decides everything.

"If I decided, yes (he would leave). He wanted to leave last year. I helped him for two years every time. He refused to play.

"I cannot accept this behaviour from him. I decide the substitutions, not Carlos."

Tevez did not look particularly perturbed by the situation he has landed himself in when he left the stadium.

However, the Blues did get extra security at the airport to ensure angry fans did not encroach beyond acceptable levels

Carlos Tevez ‘is finished’!

In a remarkably blunt post-match address to the media, Mancini also warned Edin Dzeko that he will not allow another outburst of the petulance which greeted his 55th substitution, when the Bosnian glared at his manager before throwing his boots to the ground.

But Mancini offered no such final warning to Tévez, however, and the former City captain is now facing three months as an outcast at the club before the reopening of the transfer window on Jan 1.

“What I said to Carlos is between me, him and the team.” Mancini said. “But Carlos cannot play with us now. It is finished.

“If one player earns a lot of money, plays for Manchester City in the Champions League and he behaves like this, for me he can’t play. Never. This can’t happen in a top club when a player refuses to help his team-mates in an important match like tonight.”

Tévez hit back at Mancini, however, but insisted he was not in the right frame of mind to play. 

“I didn’t feel I was right to play, so I didn’t.” Tévez said. “I was the top scorer last season and I always act professionally.”

Asked whether he feared Mancini would follow through with his threat to end his City career, Tévez said: “It is up to him.”

Tévez, who failed in his attempt to force a move from the club during the summer, had been due to replace Samir Nasri in the 69th minute of City’s 2-0 Champions League defeat in the Allianz Arena.

But Mancini was forced to turn to James Milner as Nasri’s replacement after Tévez defied the Italian by rejecting his call to warm-up and prepare to take Nasri’s place.

Mancini has confirmed that he will hold talks with City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak within the next 24 hours to discuss Tévez’s future, but the former Inter Milan manager has made it clear that Tévez will not play for him again.

Mancini said: “In the next day, I’m sure I will speak with Khaldoon because is the chairman.

“He is the chairman and he will decide everything, but do you think at Bayern Munich a player can behave like this, at Milan, at Manchester United? No. This is the answer.

“I have helped him for two years. If I decide, then yes [he goes]. But he has wanted to leave for the last two years and now he has refused to play. I don’t know [if the club will cancel his contract], but with me he is finished.”

Tévez has been a controversial figure at Eastlands since his arrival from Manchester United in a £32 million transfer in July 2009.

The forward’s relationship with Mancini has rarely been smooth since the Italian replaced Mark Hughes as manager in December 2009 and the pair have been embroiled in several high-profile spats and disputes.

Tévez complained about Mancini’s training regime shortly after his arrival as Hughes’s successor, while the pair were involved in touchline bust-ups last season prior to Tévez demanding a transfer last December. On that occasion, Tévez withdrew his transfer request within a week, but the player then went public on his desire to leave this summer before seeing a move to Corinthians fall through due to the Brazilian club’s failure to convince City of their ability to fund the £40 million deal.

With Tévez criticising Manchester and describing the city as a place he would ''not even visit on holiday”, he lost the support of his team-mates, with senior members of the squad urging Mancini to strip him of the captaincy.

Mancini responded to those wishes by appointing Vincent Kompany as captain at the start of this season, but with Tévez losing the captaincy and also his place in the team following the summer arrival of Sergio Agüero, his displeasure at being reduced to a bit-part player has become evident in recent weeks.

Tévez’s fury erupted last night, however, with his refusal to play for the team who continue to pay his £200,000-a-week wages.

Mancini’s anger was not restricted to Tévez, though, with Dzeko’s petulant reaction to being replaced also earning a stern rebuke from the City manager.

“I am furious with Dzeko’s performance.” Mancini said. “The next game, he will be on the bench with me. He played a bad game, a poor game, but next time maybe if he players better, maybe he can stay on the pitch.

“If we want to improve to the level of Bayern Munich some players need to improve their behaviour.

“This is the last time one player leaves the pitch and moves his head like this.

“Dzeko is different [to Tévez] but this is the last time he has this behaviour. I can understand why one player is disappointed. It is important that inside he can understand his performance.

“But I am the manager and I can decide everything. Maybe sometimes I make a mistake and don’t do the right things.

“I think every manager can do what he thinks at this moment.”

Tévez’s behaviour brought condemnation from outside the club, with former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness backing Mancini’s stance.

Souness said: “He [Tevez] is a disgrace to football. The owners need to get him as far away from the club as possible because that can spread.”

Clinical Madrid Ease Past Ajax

Thulani Serero came on as a late substitute as Ajax Amsterdam lost 3-0 against a clinical Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

The visitors held their own in the first-half but still found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Karim Benzema then wrapped up the result four minutes after the break. 

The hosts would then double their advantage when Ronaldo slipped the ball to Kaka outside the area and the Brazilian lashed a low strike past the goalkeeper.

Things would get event worse after the break for Ajax when Kaka touched the ball on to Benzema and the forward produced a cool finish past Kenneth Kenneth Vermeer.

Serero was brought on as Ajax looked for a way back into the game late on and manged to get some touches as well as a shot on target. Former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Eyong Enoh also came on as a substitute in the match to deal with Kaka and put in some crunching challenges on the midfielder.

Amazulu dismantle Ajax.

AmaZulu gottheir first win of the 2011/2012 Absa Premiership campaign as they crushed Ajax Cape Town 4-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. A brace from Stanton Lewis helped secure a comfortable win for Usuthu.

The home side opened the scoring in the 20^th minute as Ayanda Dlamini found himself with time and space inside the box but his shot deflected off Nazeer Allie and went into the back of the net.

Lewis scored AmaZulu’s second in the 31^st minute as he found the bottom corner of the goal after latching onto a Tangeni Shipahu through ball.

The second-half got off to a slow start as neither side had a chance on goal for the first 15 minutes.

In the 70th minute Shipahu clinically finished a good move for Usuthu putting them three goals up.

Just two minutes later Lewis scored his brace and AmaZulu’s forth as Dlamini played him through on goal and he finished from close range

The Urban Warriors' poor away form continues as they really battled to contain an in form AmaZulu side.

Chansa, Mbuyane travel with Bucs

Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal has included Isaac Chansa and Thulasizwe Mbuyane in his team that travels to face Free State Stars at the Charles Mopeli Stadium this evening. 

Chansa has not played a game since the start of the new season after injuring himself during the Vodacom Challenge tournament in July. Mbuyane missed Bucs last game against Mamelodi Sundowns last week due to a leg injury.

Even though he is still to play his first League game this season, Chansa says he is ready to do the job if the coach includes him against Ea Lla Koto tonight.

“I am feeling fit and well. Now that I have been included in the 18-man squad, I have a chance to play and hopefully I will get the time on the pitch against Stars,” he says on the club website.  

Leal wants Bucs to win away

Orlando Pirates were impressive away from home last season, picking up 32 points away from a possible 45 on their way to win their League title. 

However, this season, they look to be struggling on the road as they have won just one of three away matches, against Black Leopards. They lost to Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs in the other two.

Tomorrow as they visit Free State Stars on the back of a goalless draw at home to Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Julio Leal says his side must start collecting points away if they are to win the title again.

Leal is aware that their work will be cut out by Free State Stars who have proved difficult to beat at home in the past and he expects the same when they meet tomorrow evening.

"I remember very well last season, Pirates won a lot of away games. I think it is time we recover this capacity of winning away.

"Free State Stars is a fighting team that are always difficult to beat at home. But we are going there with our quality and positive minds to score more goals than them and win the game," he adds.

The coach says the fact that Ella Koto will be coming to this clash at the back of 3-1 defeat against Ajax Cape Town, will make them more difficult to beat.

"If we want to be champions, we must win our home games and collect a certain amount of points away. I believe in my group; I believe in the work we are doing and I believe we will do a good job and get results there," he says.  

Pattison still in my plans says Coach

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens has reassured midfielder Matthew Pattison that he remains part of his first team plans. 

The midfielder, who made 25 League appearances for Sundowns last season, has lost his place in the starting XI as Neeskens prefers to use Surprise Moriri as the holding midfielder and Musa Nyatama and Teko Modise as the attacking players.

However, with Hlompho Kekana walking straight into the first team after being signed from Bloemfontein Celtic last month, the Dutch coach said Pattison will get his chance as he is still part of his team.

“Patty was injured for almost two weeks and also got behind physically,” says Neeskens.

“Sometimes, I put him on for a few minutes, 20 or 10, but he is still a very important player. We are going to play more than 40 or 50 games this season, so he will get his chance.

 “I have 32 players and everybody can play, we are going to play lot of games and everybody will get his chance.

“I also look at the balance of my team. All the players are important and they are all going to get their chances.

Everybody has to perform and show the coach that they deserve to be there and support the players who are playing.

“It is not that the players who have not played so far are out of the picture; every one will play, Patty included,” says Neeskens.

Pattison, who will be turning 25 next month, came on as a sub against Orlando Pirates during their goalless draw at Orlando Stadium replacing Mabhudi Khenyeza in the 85th minute.  

‘Cheeseboy’ makes the cut for Bafana

Lebohang Mokoena and Bradley Grobler are two of the surprise inclusions in Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad for next week’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in Nelspruit. 

Mosimane announced his squad at Safa House today, and rewarded ‘Cheeseboy’ for his good form for Mamelodi Sundowns this season.

Also back are Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Katlego Mphela from the team that missed the 2-1 defeat to Niger, while Steven Pienaar is on standby as he works his way back from injury.

Mosimane has selected only two goalkeepers in Itumeleng Khune and Wayne Sandilands, meaning Moeneeb Josephs misses out.

The team assembles on Thursday, September 29

 





BAFANA SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands

Defenders: Morgan Gould, Happy Jele, Erick Mathoho, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Punch Masenamela

Midfielders: Daylon Claasen, Hlompho Kekana, Oupa Manyisa, Thanduyise Khuboni, Andile Jali, Lebohang  Mokoena, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane

Strikers: Bernard Parker, Thulani Serero, Bradley Grobler, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Katlego Mphela

Standby: Steven Pienaar 

Pitso explains the omission of key players from the Bafana squad

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has explained the omission of some key players, including Teko Modise, from the squad to play Sierra Leone on October 8 in the last match of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Modise reportedly put in a sterling display in the last match against Niger and questions have been asked as to why the 'Navigator' was omitted.

Mosimane explains: “Teko Modise, Tsepo Masilela, Tlou Segolela and Davide Somma are nursing injuries and that's why they are not in the squad. Also, we will still be without Kagisho Dikgacoi who is still injured as well."

Steven Pienaar is also doubtful due to injury and he has been put on standby and if he doesn't recover on time, Siphiwe Tshabalala will captain the team. 

Pienaar on standby for Sierra Leone

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says that they have put captain Steven Pienaar on standby. 

This due to injuries to Bafana Bafana key players ahead of their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone next week Saturday.

Pienaar, who missed the Bafana match against Egypt and Niger due to a groin injury, has started training with Tottenham Hotspur and could play on Thursday in the Uefa Europa match.

Mosimane revealed that they will be monitoring Pienaar's progress this week.

"Obviously, we have injuries. We are missing Teko Modise from the Niger team and Tsepo Masilela is also injured.

"We are still without Kagiso Dikgacoi, Davide Somma and also Tlou Segolela, so we have Pienaar on standby.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he is training with the team. He hasn't kicked a ball for five months now but he hopes to play the Uefa Cup on Thursday and maybe over the weekend; so we have him on standby.

"Basically it is tricky because we have to wait for him to train. Last week he trained with the team and was ready to start to play but he pulled out at training because there was a setback with the same problem.

"But we need to see him on the field of play. The doctors will tell us, the player will tell us and we will make a decision. He is an experienced player and when he is fit, you know what he can deliver," Mosimane adds.
 

City get a wake up call

Football’s tales of the unexpected are many and now there is the curious case of Carlos Tévez, the striker who went on strike. To misquote one of his former managers: footballers, bloody hell.

For Manchester City, moralising about millionaires withdrawing their services can occupy the minds and soap-boxes of others. In a time of recession, on a day when thousands of workers were thrown into the dole queue, Tévez’s arrogance was as damaging to his profession as to him personally.

The world can judge Tévez’s actions and motives. City must live in the real world, making swift decisions to bring stability to the dressing room, ensuring that a hitherto bright start to the season does not get clouded by the cordite trailing a rich refusenik in Baveria.

Roberto Mancini stated that Tévez’s career at the club is over. City can move on, building around Sergio Agüero and David Silva as their great creators, but they need Tévez out of the building.

Easier said than done. Mancini, Brian Marwood and Sheikh Mansour need a conference call this morning to devise their Tévez exit strategy. It is time for the club to be strong, to stand up to such millionaire militants. Football, let alone embarrassed City fans, will thank them.

Tottenham prepare to double Luka Modric's wages

Even though Modric has just under five years left on his deal, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has accepted the argument of manager Harry Redknapp that the Croatian should be given a substantial pay rise. It is understood that Modric is paid just over £40,000 a week, wages which Chelsea were prepared to treble. Spurs will not offer that but will consider doubling his salary.

Modric’s present talks are likely to see him become the club’s highest player with the negotiations made easier by the departure at the end of the transfer window of Robbie Keane, who had an agreement in his contract linked to the club’s wage ceiling.

Tottenham Hotspur run a very tight ship in terms of wages, but having turned down bids of £22 million, £27 million, £30 million and, finally, £40 million from Chelsea, Levy knows he must reflect Modric’s value in his salary.

Earlier in September Redknapp said Modric should be paid more: “If he’s worth ­£40 million, then life tells you that you have to be paid accordingly. You can’t say he is worth that much then pay him the wages of someone worth £5 million. That doesn’t ring true, does it? You have to look after the boy and I am sure we will do that. Hopefully, his future is here.”

The situation is complicated by the fact that Modric made it clear that he wanted to quit Spurs to join Chelsea - with Redknapp leaving the player out of the Premier League match away to Manchester United because “his head was not right”.

United FAIL to impress at Old Trafford

Manchester United, the final minute. A team and a moment to haunt Thorsten Fink’s dreams. As a player, he was 60 seconds away from winning the Champions League. As a manager, he was 60 seconds from the most famous victory in Basle’s history, coming from two down to win at Old Trafford. What excruciating torture can be visited upon a man in but one minute.

At least here, the former Bayern Munich midfielder emerged with a point. This, he insisted in the aftermath of a breathless encounter, was a “positive experience.” Barcelona, 12 years ago, when he stood helplessly as Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that remarkable Champions League triumph, was a “purely negative” one.

Fink will take pleasure in the role reversal, a modicum of revenge ­giving solace for his team’s narrow failure to cling on to the spoils of their ­stunning comeback. He will delight, a little, that it was left to Ferguson to rail that his side had thrown away the game. Not quite punching the ground in despair, like Samuel Kuffour did in 1999, in the throes of agony, but close.

No wonder: on few occasions in his 26 years at Old Trafford will ­Ferguson’s side have allowed ­themselves to be complicit in such drama. This was a game the hosts had in their grasp inside 17 minutes, thanks to two Danny Welbeck goals. This was a game which should, by rights, have been one of those group stage gimmes which ensure the ­opening salvos of the world’s most self-satisfied competition attract annual opprobrium.

Andre Villas-Boas says don't write off the old brigade - in particular Frank Lampard

“I am not being brave,” Villas-Boas countered when asked why the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba can no longer be regarded as automatic choices. “It’s for the benefit of the team.”

Villas-Boas denied there was a message being sent out through his refreshing approach in which the squad is, basically, rotated fully as his club fight on all fronts.

“I’m not telling people anything,” he explained. “You’ve got it wrong. It’s about choices for the team. Nothing wrong with it — the fact that players are changing, out-in, how they will react to changed situations. We all see things as team objectives.”

He said he did not know whether his approach was better, adding: "Chelsea have been very successful [in the past]. At the moment what we manage is a squad ready to challenge. We are three points behind the leaders [of the Premier League] and challenging for all competitions. Team selection is part of the most natural thing in the world.” It is indeed. Which is, also, why it is discussed so widely.

Fergie wants Euro glory

Sir Alex Ferguson has shot down claims the last four years have been a golden period in the Champions League for Manchester United.

The old sage of management has guided the Red Devils to two of the last three finals in the showpiece European competition, only to lose out to Barcelona on both occasions.

Despite those setbacks, it has still been one of United's most productive times in the competition as they look to cement their place amongst Europe's greatest teams.

Ferguson, though, believes because of these losses, this spell will not be looked back on as fondly as it could have been.

"The Champions League is the best competition in the world right now, better than the World Cup, better than the European Championships, it is a fantastic tournament," he said.

"But it's not a golden period for us because we have lost two finals, so I don't think it can be called a golden period.

"We have been consistent in the Champions League, our form away from home has been outstanding and we hope we can do better this year and win it, that's the aim for this club all the time."

Downs quartet train out in the cold

The quartet of players that Mamelodi Sundowns has frozen out of the first team have been moved in to train with a group of players that works out under Zipho Dlangalala at the club’s base at Chloorkop. 

The four players Tshepo Ramokala, Eduardo Ferreira, Koketso Mmotong and Papi Zothwane are all still under contract at the club but have been told to train away from the first team since the beginning of the month.

They will now have to just train without any friendly matches to play until the end of the year when the next transfer window opens.

"We are just training and training without any friendly matches to play. I mean we are just training," cries out Ramokala.

"We train everyday under Zipho Dlangalala with some other boys on the other field at Chloorkop.

"Though the situation is seriously frustrating, we just have to stay professional about it since this is what the club that we are contracted to has ordered. At times, we train at more or less the same time as the first team but on other occasions we train at different times.

"The training is no longer the same as it was when we were still in the first team. I just hope that after this experience other doors will open for us to continue with our careers. This is really frustrating. I had hoped that the club would have said we could continue training with the first team even if we were not playing," moans Ramokala.

All the four players were apparently offered the option of taking their clearances without any compensation for the remaining length of their contracts, or staying put at the club and training away from the first team.

The quartet chose to stay on earn their salaries while training where the club has ordered them to.