Daily Maverick

Sierra Leone

SA fail to qualify for Afcon 2012 - or why reading fine print is so important

It has been a terrible weekend to be a South African of a sporting persuasion. Bafana Bafana will probably be secretly happy that the rugby side are out of the World Cup. They will have hoped we forgot about the nail-chewingly embarrassing scenes of celebration after their goalless draw against Sierra Leone on Saturday. Oh, but we remember. We remember all too well. By SIPHO HLONGWANE.

“To do a Bafana” is a new term quickly coined on Twitter on Saturday. It means to take a very public and very premature victory lap, only to be humiliated moments later to discover that your glee was completely unfounded. The phrase was coined after Bafana Bafana players were broadcasted on television doing a celebratory jig after they drew 0-0 with Sierra Leone at the Mbombela Stadium, only to learn a few minutes later that no, they hadn’t qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa went into the final match of the Group G 2012 Afcon qualifiers… More

10 October 2011

Wellington

Australia break South African hearts

In a heart-wrenching encounter, Australia ended the hopes of the Springboks with an 11-9 victory, in Wellington. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews the match - a game of missed opportunities and dubious refereeing.

The match kicked-off with a nervous, yet intensely physical start by both sides. Neither side were going to be intimated and threw themselves without care into rucks that referee Bryce Lawrence chose not to adjudicate today and of which his assistant referees were totally oblivious. The Boks dominated possession and territory in the opening minutes that saw them set up camp out in the Australian 22m. But a few handling errors and suspiciously turned over rucks, saw the Wallabies escape unscathed. A long-range touchfinder from Quade Copper saw the Boks take the lineout easily enough, but instead of seeking relief… More

9 October 2011

New Zealand

France finally arrive at Rugby World Cup

France had become the laughing stock of RWC 2011, but a rejuvenated side put on an inspired display of rugby to beat England 19-12 at Auckland’s Eden Park in the second quarterfinal on Saturday. By STYLI CHARAMLAMBOUS.

When the Tricolours line up it’s never quite clear which French team will arrive for the match. Often labelled “enigmatic”, the consistently inconsistent French have been known to offer up such abysmal performances many fans contemplate the involvement of Indian bookmakers with their coaching staff. After soaking up the first five minutes of English pressure, it soon became clear that it would be the 17-time winners of the Six Nations that arrived in Eden Park to take on their familiar foes in the shape of England. Many expected a capitulating performance from a team whose week had been mired in… More

8 October 2011

Wales polish off Ireland in Wellington

So much was expected of this game, as the two best northern- hemisphere teams clashed in New Zealand’s capital. And boy, did they deliver on the rugby entertainment as Wales won out 22-10. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews the weekend’s first quarterfinal.

An experienced Irish side, having smashed Australia, went into the first match of the quarterfinals on Saturday as slight favourites against a Welsh team that looks set to begin new era of rugby for the men of coal-mining stock. From the opening five minutes when try-scoring machine Shane Williams went over in the corner, Ireland were always chasing the game. As the ball went through the hands, the 34- year-old veteran dived over to score his 56th Test match try in just his 88th international. Rookie flyhalf Rhys Priestland added the conversion for Wales to take an early 7-0 lead.… More

8 October 2011

New Zealand

Quarterfinal crunch time at RWC

The pool matches of a Rugby World Cup that showed a marked improvement in the state of rugby among the smaller nations are now over. The eight quarterfinalists through to the knockout stages are hardly surprising, given they are the Top 8 teams in the world. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS previews quarterfinal weekend at the RWC with some predictions.

England versus France The first match of the playoff stages kicks off when an uninspired English team takes on a French team that became only the second in history to qualify following two pool losses. France’s rugby team are often described as “mercurial” and “enigmatic” – which only serve as mere euphemisms for “inconsistent”. While never having achieved the heights of their football-playing cousins, who won the Fifa World Cup back in 1998, they have certainly done their level best to try to equal the football team’s abysmal performance at the last World Cup, where they failed to qualify for… More

7 October 2011

New Zealand

Weekend of wonder at Rugby World Cup

With South Africa cementing their place in the quarter finals of RWC 2011, Bok fans could afford to sit back and watch rugby drama unfold as the biggest upset in World Cup history played out and the favourites all suffered heavy injury setbacks. By STYLI CHARALAMBOUS.

After a bruising battle against the Samoans that confirmed the Boks as the second team in the quarterfinals, the nation held its collective breath as several key players limped off the North Harbour field under a cloud of injury concerns. JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Danie Rossouw, Francois Steyn and Francois Hougaard would have all given the Bok management team something to fret over as the medic team assessed the cost of the Samoan victory. As it transpired, the cost was significant. Francois Steyn, South Africa’s long-range penalty specialist and reformed midfield maestro, has damaged his shoulder to the extent that… More

3 October 2011

Auckland, New Zealand

Boks bruise their way to win over Samoa

In the build-up to the Rugby World Cup, we dubbed Pool D the “Physio’s Pool of Pain”. On Friday, the Boks and Samoans proved us right as the South Africans battled to a 13-5 win at Auckland’s North Harbour stadium. By STYLI CHARALAMBOUS.

When Test matches are tough and tight, they tend to disappoint on the entertainment front, often characterised by dull tactics. But an enthusiastic Auckland crowd was treated to the match of the tournament, that at one stage mimicked a Libyan warzone complete with medics dodging incoming fire. Past results between these two teams, in six previous encounters, have showed just how easily the Boks have dominated Samoa. At an average score of 53-12, with Chester Williams and Bryan Habana both having scored four tries in a RWC match against them, the Samoans were looking to rewrite the history books. However,… More

30 September 2011

South Africa

Lament of a South African soccer fan: 'Do you really want to hurt me?'

The national soccer team is in familiar, unpleasant territory. To qualify for next year’s Afcon tournament, they now rely on favourable results for other countries. PAUL BERKOWITZ and SIPHO HLONGWANE rage against this sad state of affairs.

To be a South African soccer fan is a bit like being trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship. You get hurt over and over again. Your partner promises to change. For a few, short months, things are different. You dare to hope. You forgive. You soften your heart and allow love to return. And then the abuse starts again. Less than two months ago, Bafana Bafana put in a sublime performance against Burkina Faso at Ellis Park, thrashing them 3 – 0. Admittedly the opposition were not top quality and didn’t provide much of a test, but the win was… More

30 September 2011

Auckland

All Blacks boss France off Auckland's Eden Park

In a match most fans would have been salivating over since the World Cup draw was announced, New Zealand put in a comprehensive display of rugby in beating France 37-17 in Auckland. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews the match.

It’s not often that the build-up to a test match not featuring the Springboks would generate goosebumps; however, as a neutral fan – although one secretly willing a French upset – this was the biggest match of the pool stages of this RWC, laden with history and subplots galore. France’s controversial knockout of the All Blacks in the 2007 tournament, and Lazarus-like comeback in the ’99 event, still cut New Zealanders deep and probably account for most of the shrinks’ turnover in the rugby-mad nation. So, with the opportunity to atone for the mishaps in front of a home crowd,… More

24 September 2011

New Zealand

Bok selections: good headaches to have

What a difference a week makes. Prior to the systematic dismantling of the Fijians and the crushing of the Namibians, the Boks were being ridiculed for their heart-stopping victory over Wales. And as the Bok’s defence campaign gains momentum, STYLI CHARALAMBOUS looks at some of the selection posers that could affect the outcome of their crusade.

Bar the 1999 brain freeze by Nick Mallet, when incumbent eighthman and captain Gary Teichmann was overlooked for high-flying Bobby Skinstad, Springbok teams at the World Cup have pretty much selected themselves. In four previous World Cup campaigns the only other selection controversy to have surfaced was the axing of Tiaan Strauss from the 1995 squad that went on to to lift the title, and, as a result, erase most fans’ recollection of the incident. But now as the Bok team graduates from zeroes to heroes in the space of a week (the customary fluctuation period for Bok fortunes) certain… More

23 September 2011

United Kingdom

Fabregas wins lawsuit against mag for Arsenal comments

The exit of Francesc Fabregas from Arsenal caused a bit of a stink when a magazine claimed that he had said that he was leaving because he believed that Arsenal were no longer capable of winning trophies. Which he says he never, ever said. Fabregas has now confirmed that he’s received an apology, retraction and damages from the offending magazine. By SIPHO HLONGWANE.

FC Barcelona midfielder Francesc Fabregas tweeted that he had got an apology, retraction and damages from Sport magazine, which attributed a quote slagging off Arsenal to the former Gunner’s captain. Cesc tweeted: “Got the apology and retraction from that magazine that made up an interview about me. Can't believe some journalists. I will also get ... damages that I will give to charity. Hope it teaches them a lesson. I would NEVER say a bad word about Arsenal Football Club”. The quote attributed to the player said that he had left the north London club because he wanted to “be… More

21 September 2011

Auckland

Irish make mockery of the formbook and Australia

Rugby World Cup pool matches can generally be described as having two standout characteristics. The first being that each pool usually has but one table-topping decider, and the second being that you can expect at least one Twitter-trending upset in the opening rounds. Ireland look like they accomplished both feats today with a 15-6 win over Australia. By STYLI CHARALAMBOUS.

Going into the World Cup, these two sides had two of the most contradictory set of results possible. Australia had become the darlings of the rugby fraternity, winning the Tri-Nations for the first time in 10 years to follow on from the exciting Queensland Reds team that lifted the Super Rugby trophy. And when the Wallabies accounted for the All Blacks in Brisbane, the low murmur of a possible final between the Tasman rivals grew into a roar from pro-Australia supporters. Ireland, by contrast, were reeling from a below-average build-up to the tournament proper. A 10-6 loss at the hands… More

17 September 2011

Wellington

Boks blow Fijians away in Wellington

The under-fire Springboks saw off a tough early challenge from the Fijians to record a comprehensive 49-3 victory in Wellington. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews phase two of Operation World Cup Defence.

A team criticised for squeaking home against Wales last week, the Boks would have been intent on sending out a message to their critics and upcoming opponents. While the end result would have satisfied the Bok team, those never-happy critics would have been muttering profanities for the first 20minutes of this physical encounter. In a period where the Fijians more than held their own, the Boks suffered a similar fate to that of last week, when much of their time was spent without the ball. Bar a few heart-in-the-mouth moments, the Bok defence, led by Jacque Fourie was resolute and… More

17 September 2011

Italy

Vettel victorious at Monza

Sebastian Vettel was not under any pressure at all as he romped home on Sunday to win the Italian Grand Prix. Even going into the first corner with Fernando Alonso just ahead and Lewis Hamilton barrelling down his left on the outside, the German’s performance was so strong you had to suspect he’d easily find his way back to the front. By OSIAME MOLEFE.

Vettel managed to hold on to second place, but had to wait to take the lead back from Alonso after the safety car was deployed to allow the marshals to clear the carnage caused by Antonio Liuizzi when he lost control of his HRT and went backward into the first corner. The accident took out Nico Rosberg and Vitaly Petrov and damaged others. After the safety car ducked back into the puts, Vettel retook the lead from Alonso in the fifth lap without having to rely on the DRS, which was still deactivated. The top two were given temporary relief… More

12 September 2011

Wellington

Boks scrape through in Wellington thriller

For much of the second half, many fans wearing the green and gold of South Africa, would have been down to their knuckles during this nail-biter of a Test match. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews the Boks’ nervous 17-16 win over Wales.

The defending champions started this match intent on sending a message to their Welsh critics who had been condescending in their assessment of the Boks all week. A Francois Steyn try in the corner within three minutes of the start would have had Springbok supporters jumping from their living room couches in delight. After a few robust phases and mini-breaks the burly fullback bulldozed his way over near the corner flag to give the South Africans the lead. A great conversion from Morné Steyn saw the Boks up 7-0 in no time at all. But if the Boks thought this… More

11 September 2011

New Zealand

The time has come: crouch, touch, pause... Engage!

If Test match rugby was played in press conference rooms and quotes were the equivalent of five-pointers, Wales would have already won the opening encounter against the Springboks. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS previews Sunday’s big match.

In the politically correct world of modern day media relations, it’s not often that opposing teams take the opportunity to talk up their own chances. The usual mantra is one of fighting for the underdog status and hoping to lure the 15 players on the other side of the pitch into complacency. But not Warren Gatland and his team of Cymru lads. The Welsh management stopped just short of bad mouthing the Boks and in particular their style of play. Gatland, a former Waikato and New Zealand “B” team hooker, has not been afraid to speak his mind ahead of… More

9 September 2011

World

'I got World Cup fever; she got World Cup fever!'

It’s T-Minus three days, and counting, until the most euphoric (or depressing) event of the South African sporting calendar kicks-off. And we can’t wait. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS previews Rugby World Cup 2011 and what we can expect from each pool.

Deemed somewhat of a poorer cousin to its Football World Cup equivalent when it debuted in 1987, the Rugby World Cup has matured into a global spectacle, with each tournament surpassing the milestones set by its predecessor. At the inaugural event hosted by New Zealand and Australia, the full IRB board member countries, bar South Africa - excluded due to the apartheid global sporting ban - automatically filled seven of the 16 places. The balance of the participating teams were specially invited by the IRB, albeit with a few controversies along the way, as Western Samoa was snubbed by the… More

7 September 2011

Cote d'Ivoire

Drogba may be playmaker in Ivorian TRC goals

Bad news for Chelsea fans – Didier Drogba might be a little distracted this season. In addition to battling Fernando Torres for his place in the team, he also has an entire country to unite and a whole lot of bad guys to forgive as the highest-profile member of Cote d’Ivoire’s new Truth and Reconciliation Commission. By SIMON ALLISON.

Truth and reconciliation commissions are the must-have accessories for any kind of post-conflict government these days, popular as much for their lofty ideals of forgiveness and reconciliation as for the get-out-of-jail-free cards which they dole out to grateful rapists and murderers. Cote d’Ivoire is no exception. Even while the new administration of Alassane Ouatarra is locking up pro-Gbagbo officials and journalists, and allied militias stand accused of extrajudicially killing off soldiers who fought on the losing side, a TRC is being established to heal the wounds of the bitterly divided country. But, in addition to the usual mix of respected… More

5 September 2011

South Africa, Libya

Safa jump to conclusions on 2013 African Cup of Nations

For reasons we needn’t repeat here, the Confederation of African Football is worried about staging the Africa Cup of Nations in Libya in two years. The South African Football Association went ahead and agreed to swap hosting dates with Libya. Well, CAF aren’t too happy about that. Apparently the two countries need their okay before they can announce such things. By SIPHO HLONGWANE.

Libya was supposed to host the Cup of Nations in 2013. That’s going to be a bit hard to do, and Safa stepped up and offered to let Libya host it in 2017 (when we were supposed to do it), if they let us have it in 2013. You know, looking out for your neighbour and all that. On Friday, CAF said that they were unhappy with South Africa for announcing this last week. The continent’s governing football body is due to meet in Cairo in September where this deal will be discussed and decided upon. “We are disappointed that… More

30 August 2011

South Korea

No 400m final for Blade Runner

Oscar Pistorius won't be running in the 400m final at the World Athletics Championships. A last-place finish in the semi-finals on Monday ended the athlete’s 400m Daegu dream at the competition - for now. By REBECCA DAVIS.

All eyes were on the South African double-amputee as the sprinters took to the starting blocks. Pistorius was given a hero's welcome by the crowd at the stadium in Daegu, South Korea, and was seen mouthing "thank you" to the crowd before the starting gun. Pistorius kept level with the field for much of the race, but in the final stretch fell behind, eventually finishing in 8th place. His final time was 46.19 seconds - a second-and-a-half off Jamaica’s Jermaine Gonzales’s winning time of 44.99 secs. Pistorius's time was also more than a second short of his personal best. His… More

29 August 2011

Pretoria

Zuma tells Springboks 'Bring home the trophy... or else'

South Africa is a nation used to its winning rugby team, so bring the trophy home. We expect it - again. This was President Zuma’s message to the Springboks as they leave for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. By KHADIJA PATEL.

The tone of the presidential send-off to wish the national rugby team good luck was almost militant. President Jacob Zuma sounded the cry to war as he bade the Springboks farewell as they prepare to depart for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Thursday. “We believe you will win the battles and the war,” Zuma told the team assembled at the presidential guesthouse in Pretoria on Monday morning. As the president drew his daggers against the world’s rugby playing nations, sports and recreation minister Fikile Mbalula was in a similar mood. “We are going to war,” said Mbalula,… More

29 August 2011

Singapore

Manchester United goes for non-broke in Singapore

In a little over two weeks, Manchester United Football Club hopes to be a public company. If things run according to the script, happy fans will be showering it with money, then never selling out ever again. But victory will go to the Glazer family, as measured by its suddenly quadrupled investment. By PHILLIP DE WET.

Six years ago the Glazer family bought Manchester United for £790 million. In a couple of weeks they hope that little asset will be valued at £3 billion. That will allow them to pay off some of the debt that is crippling the club, and maybe leave a little on the side to lure new star players. Man United is worth a lot of money, that much is sure. Revenues stand at around £300 million, and earnings before interest, tax and depreciation probably at around £100 million – and that was before it sold the branding rights to its training kit… More

29 August 2011

Belgium

Vettel leads home a Red Bull 1-2 at Spa-Francorchamps

At the risk of premature eulogising, Vettel and Red Bull’s clean sweep at the Belgian Grand Prix is the nail in the coffin of other drivers’ and constructors’ challenge in this season’s title race. OSIAME MOLEFE delivers the last rites as he looks back at the weekend’s race.

The challengers to Sebastian Vettel’s crown as Formula One drivers’ world champion arrived at Spa feeling pretty chipper. Vettel hadn’t won in three races and during the weekend press conferences, he and Red Bull Racing sounded like they were more interested in conserving their lead rather than winning outright. Fernando Alonso said Ferrari would take more chances as, unlike Red Bull, they had nothing to lose. And this weekend’s odds-on favourite, Lewis Hamilton, was full of beans on the back of strong performances from his McLaren in the previous races, despite the team’s suspect race strategy. But when the carbon… More

28 August 2011

Australia

Wallabies beat All Blacks in Brisbane bruiser

Psychology will play a bigger role than anticipated in determining who will lift the Webb Ellis trophy after the final of Rugby World Cup 2011 on 23 October in Auckland. After today’s 25-20 Tri-Nations loss to the Wallabies, the All Blacks’ shrink will be working overtime, as the RWC gets underway. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS wraps-up this year’s tournament.

At times, this year’s Tri-Nations took on the feel of a soapie, with more twists and turns than a winding Drakensberg pass. With the RWC looming large, each selection decision was scrutinised in the context of what it would mean for the team’s chances in New Zealand. The Boks continued their love-hate relationship with their demanding fans and media, Australia shook things up by cutting dead wood and sentiment from their team and the Kiwis pinned their hopes on “Dad’s Army”. The Tri-Nations was certainly one laden with surprises. South Africa showed their hand early by announcing what was effectively… More

27 August 2011

International

iMaverick: Life and Sport, Friday 26 August

Ras Dumisani and Ard Matthews should sing a duet; Joost goes for experimental treatment; Gio Aplon isn't fussy about his position; preview of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix; Aussie journos won't play nicely with the IRB; and Felipe Massa gunning for victory. By iMAVERICK TEAM.

AN ADVICE TO RAS DUMISANI AND ARD MATTHEWS In the latest instalment of Ardgate, Dumisani has accused Matthews of not being able to sing. But why be a hater? We reckon they'd sing a great duet. By THERESA MALLINSON. JOOST BANKS ON EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT TO SAVE HIS LIFE Former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. It is considered incurable and barely treatable. Van der Westhuizen has been given less than five years to live, and is now to undergo an experimental stem-cell treatment. APLON: ‘PICK ME COACH, I’LL PLAY ANYWHERE!’ Springbok flyer Gio Aplon… More

26 August 2011

Belgium

Belgian Grand Prix: Preview

It has been four agonising weeks since we’ve had a Formula 1 race. But, finally, the summer break is over and this weekend’s grand prix at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit is gonna be good ’un. By OSIAME MOLEFE.

The four-week break means that the teams arrived at Spa on Thursday with bags full of enhancements to bolt onto their cars in the never-ending search for that extra tenth. But with eight races to go and given Red Bull’s early season dominance, only teams with something left to race for will be investing heavily in their 2011 car. Mclaren, who are 103 points behind constructor’s championship leader Red Bull, arrive at this weekend’s race on a hot streak. Their drivers have won the previous two races and the team says it will remain aggressive for the rest of the… More

26 August 2011

Midrand

Joost banks on experimental treatment to save his life

Former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. It is considered incurable and barely treatable. Van der Westhuizen has been given less than five years to live, and is now to undergo an experimental stem cell treatment. By MANDY DE WAAL.

Speaking at a press conference in Midrand, the former Springbok rugby captain Joost van der Westhuizen said that he would be undergoing treatment based on stem cells. “Three weeks ago, fat cells were harvested from his body during a minor surgical procedure,” Beeld said. “Netcells Cryogenics isolated his mesenchymal stem cells, which also appear in babies’ umbilical cords and can help to repair damaged cells in the body.” Van der Westhuizen’s neurologist Jody Pearl advised cautious optimism. “We don't know if we'll be able to help with the MND, but therapy is the most promising treatment we have to date… More

26 August 2011

Johannesburg

A team of 30, backed by a team of millions

Receiving their tight fitting test caps to the melodic tune of the “World in Union”, the 30 warriors tasked with defending the zenith of International Rugby were unveiled to the nation. STYLI CHARALAMBOUS reviews the Boks announcement of the RWC squad.

The Springboks were the last of the big test playing nations to announce their squad of rugby tourists that would be defending their crown in New Zealand in a little over two weeks time. As expected, there were no major surprises in the team announcement with only one or two selections raising eyebrows. But then again, what Springbok team in history hasn’t? SARU president Oregan Hoskins stood beside diminutive coach Peter de Villiers as players were introduced one-by-one on live television. With Saturday’s win over the old enemy, the All Blacks, having galvanised the nation into universal support for this… More

24 August 2011

Spain

When millionaires strike: the oddity of a footballer's wage picket

The Association of Spanish Football is on strike over a wage deal impasse with the Professional Football League; football matches are already being delayed. Are the players right to demand wage guarantees in an age of cuts and austerity? They certainly think that they are entitled. Then again, perhaps even the likes of Lionel Messi are replaceable. By SIPHO HLONGWANE.

Football players are grotesque proof of the rule of supply and demand. There are only a handful of really good ones. And there are billions of people around the globe willing to pay to watch them ply their trade. Hence, as back-of-the-cigarette-box economics go, the exorbitant salaries. But even the highly-sort after young men of the Spanish football leagues are discovering that their employer sometimes rethinks the economics of paying them – or just downright can’t. Spain is in a recession you see, and everyone is feeling the pinch. Even football clubs. The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) says that… More

24 August 2011

Port Elizabeth

Hope restored as Boks put All Blacks to bed

Port Elizabeth, and Heinrich Brussouw, kept their 100% record against the All Blacks intact, as Springboks ground out an 18–5 victory at the majestic Nelson Mandela Bay stadium. Finally, a positive Tri-Nations review by STYLI CHARALAMBOUS.

It had been 41 years since the people of Port Elizabeth hosted an All Blacks vs Springbok test match. Black and white photos adorning the inside of the Boet Erasmus stadium depict how the Boks outplayed the men from New Zealand in another tight 14-3 encounter, played atop La Roche drive in the city of wind, in 1970. So when the coastal town was once again gifted the pinnacle of test match rugby, it made sure to repay the faith of the South African Rugby Union by packing 45,278 citizens into its brand new stadium and singing the entire national… More

20 August 2011