International Transfers

Players are changing national teams like they’re club level. It looks like international transfer; why not represent your birth country at once?

Players who are born in Europe while having African parents or born in Africa and raised in Europe are doing it often. Same players that represent a European country at junior level, then opt for an African country at senior level.

Why are players doing this?

In most cases, they fail to make it to international’s senior level, and they know that here in Africa they’ll be accepted with warm hands.  Another reason could be competition is too tight in a way that this players start on the bench unless a regular starters are injured or suspended. Every player wants to participate in World Cup or major international tournaments, so they opt for Africa when things are not good on the other side.

Never mind the World Cup or major tournament, players are aware that in international duty gives them more exposure and could see them attract big clubs if currently at a smaller one. It goes without saying that, a call up is assured when opted for a lowly African side after having spent almost whole junior level at Europe.

Yacine Brahimi, the scorer for Granada on weekend against Barcelona is now representing Algeria, after playing for France at junior level. They are a lot of his kind out there including the Boeteng brothers where one represents Ghana while the other represents Germany. If I could list all players who does that the list could be very long, but you do get the picture so far right? I didn’t hesitating writing after the game.

I believe it frustrates other players who have been patiently waiting for a call up, play for their birth country without shame, yet new members get the chance to play in every feature. Though I’m not saying there should be hating or abuse on the new guys.

Elsewhere, there is a battle between countries for a Manchester United youngster (Adnan Januzaj). He is eligible to represent any of those countries. Now you see how crazy is the international transfer? So we are yet to find out which country he’ll play for.

What FIFA says regarding these matters?

Below it’s a summary of what article 15, 16, 17 and 18 say regarding national eligibility.

1.       A player can play for any country for whom they hold a permanent nationality.

2.      A player who has more than one nationality, acquires a new one or is able to play for several sides can, on one occasion up to their 21st birthday, request to change countries, provided that:
a) The player has not played in a competitive match for his current association.
b) At the time of that appearance they already had the nationality of the country they now wished to play for.

3.      If a player wants to get a completely new nationality, then one of the following must be met:
a)Be born on the territory of the association.
b)Have a biological mother, biological father or grandparent born on that territory.
c) Have lived continuously on that territory for at least five years after reaching the age of 18.

4.      The player can play in an international match for one of these associations only if, in addition to having the relevant nationality, he fulfils at least one of the following conditions:
a)Be born on the territory of the association.
b)Have a biological mother, biological father or grandparent born on that territory.
c) Have lived continuously on that territory for at least two years.

Players are well aware of the above information, hence they choose nationality like they are choosing clubs. These guys are basically not violating any rule here.

Should FIFA change the rules? Are the rules good for both countries and players? In terms of a benefiting party is completely up to how an individual looks at it. I’m against it, but that’s just me.

These lads should be playing with pride when ever playing for their countries, “eat grass and sweat blood”. Countries in this instance I refer to country of birth of course. They shouldn’t be listening to offers from different countries which are interested in their services. Yes, football is a short career, yes, they want to end their careers with good names, so that says it all on why they do this moves.

Players are just expanding their options. Pity to the ones who don’t have alternatives and not receiving national team ups due to squad now had to make room for people who just changed their nationality. Other lads will end up getting calls up just before hanging the boots.

Laws can be reviewed and revised, but for time being, we just have to go with the current rules. Go on lads – enjoy the international transfers while it last.

What’s your opinion on the matter? Please do leave your comment. You can also follow me on twitter @ntophonic and share your views. You are certainly not obliged to agree with me.

Hope you enjoyed reading and you’ve learnt a thing or two.

 

 

 

Fierce of Africa

I always believed that anywhere in Africa is home. I treat all my fellow African brothers and sisters good, despite coming from different countries. Is xenophobia better than racism? Well, they are both the same to me. In fact am gutted by both acts.

In case you are still wondering on where I am heading with this, then I will cut to the chase rather than riddles. I am talking about three incidents involving people stoning buses since November 2013 in Africa, not just any buses but a visiting team’s bus. Chances are that there were more incidents but this three came to my attention the most.

All three incidents have something similarities if you can look closer. They all come after a visiting team defeated a home side. In this case I am referring to national teams. The three incidents involves Zambia being stoned here in South Africa last year November, Nigeria got the same at Ethiopia mid October while South Africa had theirs in Swaziland mid last month.

Allow me to elaborate more about the different incidents. Zambia came to FNB stadium last year November to take on Bafana. Game ended 1-0 to Zambia. Usually home supporters indulge a defeat well. Keep in mind that it was before we hosted AFCON. Nevertheless, their bus was stoned by two young boys aged twelve and thirteen. According to BBC sport, Mweene needed head stitches while Katongo also got injured. Are we killing each other as Africans? What puts such hatred in two minors?

World Cup Qualifier is very intense and every nation wants to take part in the World Cup. Super Eagles of Nigeria were ill treated at Ethiopia on their play offs first leg in mid October. It all started when they were given a bus infested by cockroaches, then were taken to traffic jammed routes. However, on match day players were thrown with soft drink bottles by the Ethiopian fans.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria triumphed despite bad behaviour by their hosts. The most saddening part again is that their bus was also stoned after the match. Nosa got a palm injury due to a stone that force its way through in. Now that was according to a report I read on SuperSport.

Last month Bafana travelled to Swaziland for a friendly match. A friendly game ended up looking intrinsic. There were too many dangerous tackles in the match alone; one would probably thing it was an AFCON final. However, Bafana prevailed and paid the price after the game. Swaziland supporters stoned Bafana’s bus. No injuries were reported when I read the report. I was astonished when reading about it on Kick Off the following day.

Actually, a part of me still cannot believe that such incidents occurred. As a Manchester United supporter, the word ‘United’ means a lot to me. In this case, we are all Africans and we need to be UNITED. I care less of where you from or race or language you speak, but bottom line we are one.

Must we be afraid to send players to play away games? Are we in a war that some of us are not aware of? What do we gain in such ominous acts? A stone can kill a person.

 Pirates also suffered from bad treatment when they visited TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions league clash, but that is a story for another day. Our attitudes must change, especially towards a visiting nation. Let us enjoy the beautiful game and be united as Africans again.  

Africa is actually our home. Let go of fierce and restore peace.

Follow me @ntophonic

Home and Away stands

Throughout the years South African football supporters sit together at stadiums during league games as well as cup games as if we are supporting one team. Keep in mind that this is a country that has hosted World Cup and AFCON. The Premier Soccer League is amongst the biggest in Africa if not the biggest. Soweto derby is also well known in most parts of Africa and some in Europe now.

The main reason I am writing about the supporters’ separation is due to safety reasons. We usually go to the stadium with our unreserved seats tickets and next thing you find yourself surrounded by the opposition supporters. We make those small talks until a misunderstanding rise or a goal comes to action. Anything can happen even though there are securities as well as police. Too often we see people jumping to the pitch, what can stop a serious fight?

However, referees can also make mistakes, a human error that will leave the favoured team’s supporters happy and the ones cheated furious. A fight can rise in this instance and before you know it, it will be a stampede from the gutted supporters. A similar incident happened in 1991 in a Soweto derby at Oppenheimer stadium, yet we still do not apply the right remedies.

A big game like the Soweto derby invites people to travel from all over the country to witness this prestigious game live. Recently, it also attracted women and children as well. The capacity of the supporters is actually larger than the securities and polices combined at the stadium should anything happen.

I have interviewed someone who is usually a security in big games like the Soweto derby. In fact, she will be on duty even on MTN8 second leg match. She told me that they are well trained for stadium games and any other events. She also mentioned to me that they can manage pressure, but should anything happen they will call police. Most police are also at the stadium on match days as back up to the securities and in helping to prevent any incidents. Basically police are there as a last defence too.

However, on the first leg of MTN8 I was watching the game live at FNB stadium (Soccer City). There were people who watched the game on the walking passages on level one stands. Questions occurred to me: is the stadium acquainted more than maximum capacity? Why were the securities not making sure that those people were on their seats? Have we forgotten of what happened at Ellis Park?

Tragedies have happened even in Europe too (mother of most watched and intriguing leagues). Hence they have taken major remedies. Supporters do not sit together unless supporting one team. Other stadiums there are fences surrounded the pitch to avoid fans coming in. However, in some instances supporters still jump on the pitch but dealt with as fast as possible. South African securities also deal with supporters that jump in the pitch. We saw even on the weekend of Pirates v Al Ahly at Orlando stadium.

We might be total strangers on our arrival at the stadium, but the moment we sit together and supporting one team – brother ship starts from there. Quite often I make friends at the stadium. Most of the time I make friends with the opposition team supporters. As a Chiefs supporter, I was surrounded by Pirates fans on both first leg and second leg of MTN8 at Soccer City and Orlando stadium respectively. Not surprisingly, they were criticizing some of Chief’s players. Imagine if I were to start a Floyd Mayweather fight. To add more salt on my wound, Pirates took an early lead which resulted to be a winner eventually on the first leg. Bacela’s penalty made me to leave the stadium before time on the second leg.

Yes, in terms of sales the stands separation might be a bad idea. It might happen away supporters are willing to buy more tickets than the home side. Logically away supporters should be less than the home supporters, which means other seats might remain unoccupied in this case. We all know the poor attendance here in South Africa in most stadiums, especially night fixtures and so called small teams.

Yet again most teams careless about a good home atmosphere, as long as the stadium is full. Bidvest Wits and Mpumalanga Black aces in particular. The duo takes their big fixtures to Mbombela stadium. Playing a team like Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela stadium it can only favours the “Glamour Boys”. Host team even get booed at some stages. We all know that sport has become business than just a sport. The duo (Wits and Aces) is aware that they will do well in terms of sales since Mbombela stadium is much bigger than their normal venues.  

 Irrespective of the attendance, the stands separation might be the thing we are in need of at our stadiums.  For a country that has hosted World cup and AFCON it can be easy to achieve stands separation. All it takes is an initiation. It is about time home teams get a good atmosphere irrelevant of the opponent. I anticipate a squib that might not explode today, but prevention is better than cure. Home and away stands are the solutions and good innovation.

Bafana Bafana’s trip to Brazil is cancelled

Bafana Bafana are forced to watch the FIFA World Cup 2014 of Brazil only on televisions. Ethiopia’s win ensured that South Africa will not participate in next year’s World Cup. A trip to Brazil was denied.

Ethiopia surely deserved to be the side to advance to knock out stages. Do not get me wrong, allow me to elaborate more. After they (Ethiopians) fielded an ineligible player in the other world cup qualifying game, they had points deducted. The points deduction denied them a straight advance to next round before the final match. These also brought hopes to South Africans since the group was open again (decided on the wire).

Last Saturday the Ethiopians did a vital come back against Central African Republic. Although, they still need to play on knock out stage, I am congratulating them. They have gone all out, even during AFCON early this year.

Bafana also did well on Saturday, but was certainly not enough to be part of the play offs. The finger pointing also started. Pitso Mosimane, Benard Parker and Gordon Igesund were scapegoats. Does blaming other people send us to Brazil? We need to unite as a country. My opinion firing the coach would not help too; instead we will be taking few steps back.

Yes, Gordon Igesund failed in the AFCON early this year then now could not send Bafana to Brazil as well. Too often I hear that we are building for the future, then why would you want to change builders every now and then. “Rome was not built in one day.”

In football whether you are a player or manager this rule always applies: if you lose, you will get criticism, but if you win you will get compliments. I totally understand the criticism and frustration at the moment. How about we give the current builder more time?

At the moment we are involved in major tournaments when we are the ones hosting. Yet, we are very quickly to say “this manager must go”.

We failed to qualify for World Cup 2006. We then qualified by default on the 2010 World Cup since we were hosts. We spent a lot of money in paying foreign coach(s). Struggling even in qualifying for AFCON ’12, again the hosting default came handy this year. What needs to be done in this qualifying struggle?

Many questions will arise in each individual. Almost everyone has his or her opinion. Good thing we have less say on employing and sacking of national head coaches. Employers need to make decisions which are in the country’s interest. Harsh or not we are forced to bare them. Perhaps it is time stick to one builder (coach).

Germans believe Joachim Loew as much as I do in Gordon Igesund. Take in account that Loew started as an assistant manager at Germany before becoming the head coach. Ask yourself what did he win since at helm? For him and his squad qualifying is often easy but winning is the difficult part. We all know that qualifying and win nothing can see one packing yet Low still there.

There are things which are easy elsewhere but cannot be applied here in South Africa and I am aware of that.  Again I am going back to Germany, they nationalise other players that are or were part of the national team. Can you do that here in South Africa?

I know I have been comparing an African national team with an European national team. Football is football. We tend to like how this European teams play. That is why I did my comparison. It might be irrelevant to you, but that is my view.

Perhaps it might be disrespectful of me to compare someone who was able to lead his country as a manager to finish third place in World Cup and also finishing good in Euro 2010 and 2008 respectively with someone who is still trying to find his feet to qualify. Keep in mind Low started as an assistant coach.

Winning a major trophy and finishing in good position are two different things. Loew is hired to win than qualifying, finishing third or second. Fabio Capello at England also left without a major trophy.  

As South Africans, we expect imminent success in our national team builder(s), and then come in our serious problem which is being patient. I am not saying, Igesund must stay or go. If ever he is sacked, then let us give that new manager more time and believe in him. Success can be a slow process.

For once as a country we need to qualify without relying on other team’s results. Players need to get international call ups not just because they play for Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns, but it should be based on merit rather than club level standards. Let us forget about players that got egos or looking forward in playing in Champions League than representing their country.

Too much unrecognised talent in young players while us focusing on players with standards and own terms. Players must fight for their spot in the national, both local and European base. We can do our homework now while it is still early or forever be a laughing stock. Where are U23? Why certain players play in competitive games and others can only participate in friendly games?

 Bring on your views; you do not have to agree with me. If you disagree then convince me to side with you.

Comment here or follow me on twitter @ntophonic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silly, frustrating season

Since before the transfer window could even be open, a lot of speculations have been flying all over the different leagues. A lot of players are or were being linked with several teams, supporters not happy, players threatening to leave, managers swapping teams, while other players and managers leaving the beautiful game permanently through retirement.

Since football is a universal language, I have decided to write about the silly season (transfer window) for both South Africa and as well England.

Premier Soccer League (South African league): The only team that has enjoyed the window has to be Mamelodi Sundowns. They are well known of big signings and they have done it again in this window. However, no one can predict their starting XI on any match day, with the depth they have in the team as it is.

Other teams like Supersport United, Pirates and Bidvest Wits just to name a few, also went for a serious shopping. Defending champions (Kaizer Chiefs) on the other hand only signed two players which i am aware of, a defender (Mtsweni) and a loan for a second spell striker (Musona).

Coaches like Gavin Hunt, Cavin Johnson and Clive Barker are now managers of new teams this season. The coach swapping teams is also part of the merry go round that the transfer window brings.

It does not bring a lot of frustration in the PSL’s transfer window, but people will start talking during the season if the team is losing. Usually coaches are the ones that will take the blame.

However the window closed yesterday, surely the new arrivals will show supporters on why they have been purchased, critics will rise too if they don’t live up to expectations.

Anyway, I am now taking you to the most frustrating part of this window – England.

English Premier League: Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City are all under new managers in this new season. One can say maybe for Chelsea is a reunion rather with their favourite manager back at helm.

All eyes are on the three managers since day one. Enhancing their different squads is expected too. However the window is still open so every manager is making all means to get a player or two. Pallegrini and Mourinho added few faces already on their squad while Moyes still trying to land quality on his squad too.  

Players like Cabaye, Rooney, Fellaini, Baines, Bale and others are being linked with other teams daily. At the moment, Saurez and Benteke decided to stay in Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively. Most of my twitter followers blame the media sometimes in quoting other players saying that they are not happy at their clubs.

Players are aware that football can be a short career so they also want to make the best out of their life. I don’t expect supporters to understand players who want to leave or unhappy or want to play in major tournaments. Believe it or not football is about the money in the end.

Defending champions Manchester United so far only signed Verela (defender). Moyes is still new at the club and still working with the current squad that Sir Alex left him with. There is still no need for him to panic; all he need is a middlefielder or two. He tried to attract a lot of them since his arrival but they tend to join elsewhere or don’t want to join the “Red Devils”.

I was amongst those who were attacked for believing in Moyes. Most of my friends are “Red Devil” supporters, but pilled a lot of unnecessary pressure on Sir Alex’s successor. Moyes missed out on a lot of players since took charge - arguments, name calling, some even sang a song “Moyes Out”. Well, it is not a matter of buying - who to buy should be considered, does the player wants to come? Also need to be taken to account.  

Supporters really cannot understand this window when it is their team that suffer instead of benefiting. Arsenal is another team that had a lot of interest in many players so far. All those players which were linked ended up signing by other teams or staying in their current team. Their defeat against Aston Villa on opening day surely raised eyebrows of many. Wenger is also blaming the media on poisoning the Gunner supporters.

So far players only left the Emirates than joining. Yaya Sanogo is the only player to join the Gunners so far in this window. Questions are raised on why Wenger is not signing. Fans saying Wenger must capitalize on the absence of Sir Alex by landing a big signing to end their trophy draught.

Manchester City managed to add few players on that expensive squad of theirs. This is also another team that is under a new manager who is still trying to gel well in the club or the English Premier League rather. He started the season well by hamming Newcastle United. A shock defeat arose in his second league match against the newly promoted Cardiff City. Blame him / use him as a scapegoat, but losing Nastatic and Kompany through injuries cost him on that match.

Mourinho “happy One” is back at Stamford Bridge. Since his arrival, he has also added new faces on the Blues and promised those who enjoyed loan spell last season at other clubs a game time. He is still looking for another forward; hence he went for Rooney and Eto’o. To me, the Rooney bid is just Mourinho and his mind games to create conflict between Rooney, Moyes and us the supporters.

Anyway the window is still open and anything can still happen. Bale is on the verge to join Madrid; we are just waiting for the official announcement anytime. Andre’ Villas-Boas is turning this around at Spurs, new faces and quality. Spurs without Bale will survive and compete for top four.

 The silly season leaves people frustrated, especially us supporters since we have less say on who to join the club or leave. Alan Pardew is interrupted by Cabaye’s bid, while Roberto Martinez is also not happy with Moyes wanting duo Baines and Fellaini at Old Trafford.

Note that most players who are linked with moves to other teams are either not looking happy or being left out of the squad on match day while others are “injured”. Surely managers will sleep peaceful after the “Silly, frustrating season” has shut.

Comment here or engage me on twitter @ntophonic.

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Soweto Derby in MTN8 semi-final

Kaizer Chiefs hosting Orlando Pirates again tomorrow. Last month the two Soweto Giants clashed and were divided by Majoro’s goal. Tomorrow is a different story since this time it is MTN8 semi-final first leg.

Supporters for both sides are expecting a match to be remembered. Chiefs will try to prevent Pirates from scoring. Remember in this competition the away goal rule applies, as well as aggregate. I would not be surprise to see Baxter fielding: Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela plus Gould. To be honest all five players are defenders.

Is Stuart Baxter scared of Pirates? Is he defending more than attacking? Does he take in consideration of losing players through injuries?

Stuart Baxter is the manager that tries different systems in different. He knows what he is doing. If you remember the first round match against of last season Moroka Swallows then you will understand better. He can anticipate a game well, so different game can have a different formation or system rather.

Can Musona get back to his scoring?

Knowledge “Smiling Assassin” Musona has not yet got the ball at the back of the net since his return. One may say it is only the first month of the league. This is the man who is known of not being shy in front of goal. First month or not, he is just dangerous. Defenders and goalies know him very well. Tomorrow it can be an opportunity to show his return is worth it.

Pirates on the other hand are yet searching for a winner against Chiefs since Rodger De Sa took over. They have been good in Africa than local. They are playing away so a goal or two will lift their hopes up in advancing to the final.

The “Sea Robbers” are going to this match after thrashing Zamalek of Egypt in the African Champions League. Let us not be deceived by that since we all know what Amaulu did to them after they went pass Al Ahly.

Can Rodger De Sa get his first Pirates victory against Chiefs? Can they get that away goal advantage?

Judging by all the new signings Pirates did so far, yes they can win or score a goal. Since he managed to rescue them both in league and Africa, he is certainly the right man for them. Despite being a scapegoat at some point, he is the right man in my opinion.  

Can Lennox “Awoken Dragon” score tomorrow?

This is the man who just enjoying scoring recently. Questions were raised on his arrival by people including myself. He was doing everything right but could not get his name on the score sheet. He might start on the bench though, with Erasmus ineligible for the ACL, Gabuza’s arrival and Mbuyane’s return.

Let the best team win tomorrow.   

Comment here or follow me on twitter @ntophonic 

My name is Ntokozo Skhosana. University of Johannesburg accounting student. Soccer enthusiast. Always updated. Focusing mainly on the Absa Premier Soccer League, Barclays Premier League, La Liga, Bundasliga ,Serie A, African Champions League and UEFA Champions League. I will update you with latest news, transfers, score updates, fixtures and videos. Log in, keep yourself updated and leave your comments.

Bafana's false alarm of qualifying for AFCON '12

My mentor (Calvin Emeka Onwuka) in Durban during AFCON '13

Soweto derby in FNB stadium in March '13

Yobo and I, in the Nigeria press conference before Zambia