City hosts 8 Nations Under 20 International Football Challenge in 2012

The City of Cape Town, in partnership with SAFA Cape Town and the Western Cape Government will be hosting the 8 Nation under 20 International Football Challenge.

The tournament will take place from 25 May – 03 June 2012 at both the Athlone and Cape Town Stadiums. The tournament will also utilise practice venues throughout the City.

The bi-annual tournament is being hosted for the second time, after a successful inauguration tournament in 2010, prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

This football tournament is a welcome addition to the City’s calendar of major sports events, which include the Pick ‘n Pay/ Cape Argus Cycle Tour and Old Mutual Town Oceans marathon.

All these sports tournaments are in line with this administration’s goal to establish Cape Town as the events capital of the continent. We hope that this competition will be the springboard for many youngsters, both local and international, to launch their successful professional football careers.

We urge local football fans to attend these matches to watch the next generation of football superstars compete for the championship. Some of the youngsters in this tournament will go on to represent their countries in future international competitions.

In support of the City’s volunteer programme, the City will also be making use of 150 dedicated volunteers who will assist in the efficient and coordinated success of the event. The City’s successful volunteer programme fosters the ideals of volunteerism within the community.

Tickets can be purchased at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets. Ticket prizes will be R50 grand stand and R20 open stand.

A transport plan for the tournament will be communicated to the public in due course.

Please see below a list of fixtures scheduled for the event:

Athlone Stadium

DATE	TIME	FIXTURE
25 May 2012	18:00	South Africa v/s Argentina
20:30	Ghana v/s Nigeria
29 May 2012	18:00	South Africa v/s Nigeria
20:30	Argentina v/s Ghana
30 May 2012	18:00	Brazil v/s Japan
20:30	Cameroon Kenya
1 June 2012	18:00	Semi Final 1
20:30	Semi Final 2

Cape Town Stadium

DATE	TIME	FIXTURE
26 May 2012	14:00	Kenya v/s Japan
16:30	Brazil v/s Cameroon
27 May 2012	14:00	South Africa v/s Ghana
16:30	Argentina v/s Nigeria
28 May 2012	18:00	Brazil v/s Kenya
20:30	Cameroon v/s Japan
3 June 2012	14:00	3rd v/s 4th
16:30	Final

On the couch nominated for a 2012 MTN Radio Award

OTC -( On the Couch) has been nominated in the category for Sport’s Show in the 2012 MTN Radio Awards

This nomination is as a result of the combined on air efforts of Tapfuma Makina , Martin Myers & Flapper , every Saturday between 8.00am and 9.00am. on Heart 104.9fm.

Tune in this Sat to listen to the banter and as one listener called Flapper ,Martin and Tapfuma ” the three wise men” always are fun and entertaining and love sport.

Results will be announced at a gala dinner on 14 April 2012

For the full list of nominees, click the link below:

http://www.mtnradioawards.com/mtn_newsarticle10.html

.. and so it starts – La Celebracion de España

image0013

image0021

image0031

image0041

image0051

image0061

image0071

image0081

image009

image0101

image0111

image0121

image0131

image0141

image0151

image0161

image0171

image0181

enjoy these pictures of WORLD Cup Closing

…. and MADIBA was there

We’ll ignore Graca Machel’s “controlling”tendencies.

Trophy arrives in its Louis Vuitton Bag..

Whatta closing ceremony, well done South Africa! This was awesome!

and of course, we had someone tryna take chances…

…but he was stopped in his tracks…

*Sigh of relief*

Waka Fever has caught on around the globe

Waka Fever has caught on around the globe. Immediately following Shakira’s headline performance of the official FIFA World Cup song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the kick-off concert of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the song has exploded onto the scene with the music video quickly becoming one of the most-viewed clips on YouTube and the song anchoring the #1 spot on charts in over 15 countries.

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” has gone #1 in over 15 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland. In Mexico, it has held the #1 spot for 5 weeks in a row. The song—which will also be performed by Shakira at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup finals—is the top selling single on digital and mobile platforms in nearly all countries in which it is available for purchase.

The official music video has become an Internet sensation, with over 15 million views on YouTube (averaging 2 million visits per day). The video captures the multicultural spirit of the World Cup, featuring dancers and musicians from countries around the globe as well as key players from several countries: Leo Messi (Argentina), Dani Alves (Brazil), Gerard Pique (Spain), Rafa Marquez (Mexico) and Carlos Kameni (Cameroon).The players wear Shakira’s Waka Waka T-shirts sold during the World Cup period by Mango, with proceeds going to supply aid to primary schools in South Africa. The video introduces the “Waka Waka” dance, which has been imitated by over 83 fan-organized flash mobs in 55 countries, as a show of support for 1GOAL, for which Shakira is an official ambassador.

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” is featured on the official World Cup album “Listen Up!,” whose proceeds will go to “20 Centers for 2010,” an initiative to achieve social change via the construction of twenty “Football for Hope” community centers throughout Africa. The song is inspired by the 1986 global hit “Zangalewa” by the group Golden Sounds of Cameroon. The song features Zolani Mahola of the South African group Freshlyground

performs on stage during the FIFA World Cup Kick off Celebration Concert at the Orlando Stadium on June 10, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

performs on stage during the FIFA World Cup Kick off Celebration Concert at the Orlando Stadium on June 10, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

the greatest sporting weekend of my life

Warm greetings once more.

The truth is that this newsletter could have been called whatever you want it to be as there is not one singular superlative that can describe what this past weekend was like.

Speaking of contenders England proved once again that they are not contenders but instead are merely tomatoes and the reality is that this is the world cup, not a soup kitchen.

The first of the big guns were in action on Saturday and I was there. And I arranged a ticket at face value for Manfred and Kanyiso. We watched Argentina carve Nigeria open. It could have been a massacre but thanks to a stupendous display of goalkeeping by Vincent Enyeamba it was only 1-0. It may have been in Johannesburg but we could just as well have been in Buenos Aires. Once more ‘phenomenal’ would be euphemistic.

The opening match was special and so was this one. They were different and for different reasons too but it only made me more determined to attend a Copa America. When Diego Maradona walked onto the field and waved at the Argies, they went ballistic. The only man that is revered as such that I know of is Nelson Mandela himself.

Germany looked very impressive indeed in spite of their very young side. To add to that Argentina impressed me as did South Korea. but let us face the facts, Re England If Robert Green and David James are the best you have then I am afraid you are not going to cover yourselves in glory. As always England’s media promise everything and the team delivers nothing. Of course it is only one game and things could change but I do not foresee that happening. And since I made mention of the UK press now would be a good time to mention that England won the 1966 world cup.

The opening weekend of the world cup turned out to be the greatest sporting weekend of my life. There is no monetary value that can be put on the experience and I am certainly going to cherish the blessing and privilege that it has been forever.

Look after yourself.

world cup 1 109

world cup 1 119

world cup 1 125

world cup 1 126

world cup 1 141

world cup 1 144

world cup 1 156

world cup 1 164

world cup 1 168

world cup 1 169

world cup 1 176

world cup 1 177

world cup 1 182

world cup 1 184

world cup 1 192

world cup 1 206

world cup 1 216

world cup 1 217

world cup 1 224

world cup 1 230

world cup 1 233

world cup 1 238

world cup 1 242

world cup 1 243

R KELLY FOR CAPE TOWN TODAY AT 18H30 TONIGHT

R KELLY will be performing The Official Anthem, Sign Of A Victory, at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony on June 11th.

He will be making a whirlwind stop in Cape town today and will be appearing at the Grand Parade at 18h30 with the mayor of Cape Town .

THE SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS

18:30: Balcony Ceremony with Mayor

19:04 -19:25: Mr Kelly on stage

World Cup Predictions Part II

Warm greetings once more.

Last week we examined the world cup group stages and in order of group winner and runner-up I concluded that these would be the teams involved in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Group A: France, South Africa Group B: Argentina, Nigeria

Group C: England, USA Group D: Germany, Australia

Group E: Holland, Cameroon Group F: Italy, Paraguay

Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast Group H: Spain, Chile

Thank you for your opinion last week. I thoroughly enjoyed our debates. I fear some of these may have to change now owing to the injury crisis of the last week but I shall do the honourable thing and stick to my predictions. For example I doubt Ivory Coast will make it now without Drogba but I tipped them last week so I shall hold on to that one. But now it is time to get into the business end of the world’s greatest sporting event. In the Last sixteen I foresee the following fixtures:

France vs Nigeria: Unfortunately the Nigerians have lost the fear factor they possessed in the 1990′s and I think the ocassion will be too big for them.

England vs Australia: The Ashes is now a football match. I think the Aussies will give as good as they get but ultimately the Poms will win this one.

Germany vs USA: Even without Michael Ballack the three-time world champions should win this one. It is a repeat of the 2002 quarterfinal. Germany won then and they will win here too.

Argentina vs South Africa: My heart would love nothing more than an upset win for my beloved Bafana Bafana. But my head asks how will Aaron Mokoena handle Lionel Messi? How will Kagisho Dikgacoi stop Juan Sebastian Veron?

Holland vs Paraguay: The South Americans were supreme in their qualifying campaign but unfortunately the qualifiers actually count for nothing once you are on the biggest stage. The Dutch to triumph.

Brazil vs Chile: If nothing else this will be an entertaining match as South American teams play with flair and passion. The Chileans will do what they can to stop their more illustrious opponents but ultimately it will be in vain.

Italy vs Cameroon: On this day I plan to wear my Samuel Eto’o shirt. Sadly you can wear any shirt you like and sing hymns all day long but it will be to no avail. The Azurri will somehow cheat and pillage their way to victory.

Spain vs Ivory Coast: Would it not be wonderful if Kalou and Toure could win this one? It would be a fairy tale victory for sure. The problem is that this is real and not a Disney movie. Au revoir, Cote D’Ivoire.

From here we move on to the quarterfinals.

Holland vs Brazil: This will be a great match as both teams actually play football. A 3-2 result is hardly out of the question or even a 4-3. Whatever happens the team with the most goals will be Brazil.

France vs England: Raymond Domenech has experienced incredible luck as France manager. That luck will run out here. That said neither of these two sides deserve more than a quarterfinal berth and the good fortune of a quarterfinal meeting means one will be in the final four. I expect the English to win.

Argentina vs Germany: This will be an explosive encounter. The Argies have the better players. The Germans have a better history. In 2006 these two contested an epic quarterfinal in which the Germans won on penalties. This time it is Argentina’s turn.

Italy vs Spain: Corruption and conniving can only get you so far. If the European champions score first it is game over for the Italians. La Roja may score a second and even a third if I have my way. Spain win.

And now the semifinals:

England vs Brazil: Fabio Capello will be seen as a hero for taking England to their best world cup result since Sir Bobby Robson’s class of 1990. Can David James handle what the Selecao bombard him with? I doubt it. Ditto for Rio Ferdinand. The five-time world champions to overwhelm the Three Lions.

Argentina vs Spain: What a memorable encounter this could be. It really is one of those that could go either way. Spain could be without Torres. Veron, in the twilight of his career, would never have been this close to world cup glory. I expect the midfielder to orchestrate a win for Maradona’s men.

This sets up an all-South American final. What a wonderful way to wrap up Africa’s first world cup.

Brazil vs Argentina. They played in the final of the Copa America in 2007 and the five-time world champions hammered the Argies 3-0. In the world cup qualifiers there was more success for the Brazilians. Well in sport success is cyclical and with that in mind I am tipping Javier Mascherano to raise the world cup high on July 11th.

Feel free to argue.

Heal the world

World Cup Predictions Part II In the Last sixteen I foresee the following fixtures:

Warm greetings once more.

Last week we examined the world cup group stages and in order of group winner and runner-up I concluded that these would be the teams involved in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Group A: France, South Africa Group B: Argentina, Nigeria

Group C: England, USA Group D: Germany, Australia

Group E: Holland, Cameroon Group F: Italy, Paraguay

Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast Group H: Spain, Chile

Thank you for your opinion last week. I thoroughly enjoyed our debates. I fear some of these may have to change now owing to the injury crisis of the last week but I shall do the honourable thing and stick to my predictions. For example I doubt Ivory Coast will make it now without Drogba but I tipped them last week so I shall hold on to that one. But now it is time to get into the business end of the world’s greatest sporting event. In the Last sixteen I foresee the following fixtures and my friend Peter Stemmet from Etv ( who writes what we debate ) and I have had many a discussion trust me .

France vs Nigeria: Unfortunately the Nigerians have lost the fear factor they possessed in the 1990′s and I think the ocassion will be too big for them.

England vs Australia: The Ashes is now a football match. I think the Aussies will give as good as they get but ultimately the Poms will win this one.

Germany vs USA: Even without Michael Ballack the three-time world champions should win this one. It is a repeat of the 2002 quarterfinal. Germany won then and they will win here too.

Argentina vs South Africa: My heart would love nothing more than an upset win for my beloved Bafana Bafana. But my head asks how will Aaron Mokoena handle Lionel Messi? How will Kagisho Dikgacoi stop Juan Sebastian Veron?

Holland vs Paraguay: The South Americans were supreme in their qualifying campaign but unfortunately the qualifiers actually count for nothing once you are on the biggest stage. The Dutch to triumph.

Brazil vs Chile: If nothing else this will be an entertaining match as South American teams play with flair and passion. The Chileans will do what they can to stop their more illustrious opponents but ultimately it will be in vain.

Italy vs Cameroon: On this day I plan to wear my Samuel Eto’o shirt. Sadly you can wear any shirt you like and sing hymns all day long but it will be to no avail. The Azurri will somehow cheat and pillage their way to victory.

Spain vs Ivory Coast: Would it not be wonderful if Kalou and Toure could win this one? It would be a fairy tale victory for sure. The problem is that this is real and not a Disney movie. Au revoir, Cote D’Ivoire.

From here we move on to the quarterfinals.

Holland vs Brazil: This will be a great match as both teams actually play football. A 3-2 result is hardly out of the question or even a 4-3. Whatever happens the team with the most goals will be Brazil.

France vs England: Raymond Domenech has experienced incredible luck as France manager. That luck will run out here. That said neither of these two sides deserve more than a quarterfinal berth and the good fortune of a quarterfinal meeting means one will be in the final four. I expect the English to win.

Argentina vs Germany: This will be an explosive encounter. The Argies have the better players. The Germans have a better history. In 2006 these two contested an epic quarterfinal in which the Germans won on penalties. This time it is Argentina’s turn.

Italy vs Spain: Corruption and conniving can only get you so far. If the European champions score first it is game over for the Italians. La Roja may score a second and even a third if I have my way. Spain win.

And now the semifinals:

England vs Brazil: Fabio Capello will be seen as a hero for taking England to their best world cup result since Sir Bobby Robson’s class of 1990. Can David James handle what the Selecao bombard him with? I doubt it. Ditto for Rio Ferdinand. The five-time world champions to overwhelm the Three Lions.

Argentina vs Spain: What a memorable encounter this could be. It really is one of those that could go either way. Spain could be without Torres. Veron, in the twilight of his career, would never have been this close to world cup glory. I expect the midfielder to orchestrate a win for Maradona’s men.

This sets up an all-South American final. What a wonderful way to wrap up Africa’s first world cup.

Brazil vs Argentina. They played in the final of the Copa America in 2007 and the five-time world champions hammered the Argies 3-0. In the world cup qualifiers there was more success for the Brazilians. Well in sport success is cyclical and with that in mind I am tipping Javier Mascherano to raise the world cup high on July 11th.

Feel free to argue.

Heal the world

Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album

Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album

1. R. Kelly featuring Soweto Spiritual Singers – Sign of a Victory (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Anthem)

2. Shakira featuring Freshlyground – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Song)

3. Nneka – Viva Africa

4. Matisyahu featuring Nameless – One Day

5. Ternielle Nelson, Jason Hartman, UJU, Louise Carver, Aya & Deep Level – Shosoloza 2010

6. J Pre, Wyclef, Jazmine Sullivan, and B Howard – Ke Nako

7. Angelique Kidjo and John Legend – Move On Up

8. Judy Bailey featuring Uju – Spirit of Freedom

9. Pitbull, TKZee and Dario G – Game On (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Mascot Song)

10. MISIA ft M2J + Francis Jocky – Maware Maware

11. Claudia Leitte and Lira – As Mascaras (South Africa ’10 to Brasil ’14)

12. Siphiwo featuring Message of Hope from Nelson Mandela – Hope