El Classico makes the wold standstill

As the El Classico will be taking place on 08 October, the world will come to a halt as it is the biggest rivalry soccer match in the world. The match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid FC gets over 200 million people glued on their screens. The game never disappoints in a sense that we always witness spectacular goals and skills displayed.

On the left is Cristiano Ronaldo and on the right is Lionel Messi. (www.bigsoccer.com) 

It is Messi vs Ronaldo  

One would agree that for the past three years, the faces of the El Classico have been Chirstiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid and Lionel Messi for Barcelona. The two players have taken the rivalry to another level, with both players contending for the Best Player in the world award. The media on the other hand have narrowed the rivalry match to a Ronaldo versus Messi, the hype around the match has enormously increased as both players have become favourites to even people who do not follow soccer. Pressure has also mounted for the two players and their teams as they are expected to come to the party and perform according to the standard of the El Classico because previous El Classicos have never lived to disappoint. The previous match was won by Real Madrid, in a match where the two players lived up to their names so the coming one will not have any less expectations. 

The world is watching

Sunday's meeting between the two teams will be at Nou Camp, Barcelona's home, where a 99 000 seat stadium will be fully packed as tickets got sold out in only four days. The match will be televised on ESPN and SupperSport 3 where a total of 400 million viewership is predicted between the two television channels. With so much viewership, the two Spanish teams are expected to be focused and show commitment as people have put their hearts on the match. Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho said at a conference, "it is a game we love to play and it is not just us, but, surely for them also. In this sense, it is definitely more than a normal league match." I must say that this time it is very difficult to predict which team will come out victorious as both clubs have displayed excellent quality football in their previous encounter.

Head-to-head results





• Barcelona wins                                                                  65
• Real Madrid wins                                                              69
• Draws                                                                               31
• Barcelona goals                                                                 263
• Real Madrid                                                                      267 

Let us bury the case

On 27 September 2012, Chelsea FC fullback, John Terry was found guilty by the English Football Association (FA), for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers', Anton Ferdinand. Though in July,Terry was found not guilty to a racial offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court (England) for the incident that took place in October 23 last year, the FA had proceeded their own investigation to the case which they found the Chelsea player guilty. I am still wondering whether the verdict was made on valid evidence or whether the FA was out to get him.



The 31 year-old, Chelsea fullback, is issued with a four match ban and a  fine of £220 000 (R2.9m) pending appeal. The English Football Assocaition should have laid the case to rest as Terry was   cleared of the allegations by a London court in July. I am not implying that top players should go off the hook when they act out of the global football code of conduct but it is evident that case has affected English football. John also retired from international football which has will impact England's manager, Roy Hodgson's, plans ahead of qualifying for the World Cup which will be hosted in 2014, Brazil. In a statement, he said "I am today announcing my retirement from international football," the former England captain said in his statement.I would like to thank the England managers who have selected me for my 78 caps."

The gravity of the case had displayed when Terry was chosen ahead of the Ferdinand brothers for the 2012 Euro tournament. Racism allegations in football tarnishes the sporting code's image and has led to a wide range of controversial incidents which have been reported in the media. The sport itself does not induce racism. It would be a great day in football if Anton Ferdinand and John Terry would bury this saga and set the example to upcoming players that football brings unity. 

 

Cowards racially abuse Obi

On 20 September 2012, Chelsea's midfielder, John Obi Mikel closed his Twitter account after being racially abused by fans for his costly mistake against Juventus. John deactivated his account from the micro-blogging social site less than a day after his miscue of the ball contributed to Juventus' equaliser which forced Chelsea to only come out with one point from the UEFA Champions League clash.Chelsea settled for a 2-2 draw in their opening UEFA Champions League match at Stamford Bridge.

John Obi Mikel, apologising at a press conference for his mistake which made Juventus equalise. (www.dailymail.co.uk)

Racism in football is unacceptable

Chelsea has informed the police about the unpleasant nature of treatment Obi experienced on Twitter. "We have informed the police and support taking the strongest possible action," a Chelsea statement read. At a press conference held by Chelsea, John Mikel apologised for his careless mistake as he mentioned at the conference, "If I want to make up an excuse, I can. But, for me, I gave the ball away. I put my hands up, we move on. I'm sorry about the mistake, but there are no excuses." www.metro.co.uk

This is not the first time a British fans have used Twitter as a platform to attack its players for costing the team, as Chelsea left back was also attacked after missing a penalty for England in the shoot-out against Italy at Euro 2012 tournament. this behaviour does not do good for football as there has been a lot of campaigns against racism and football federations have been working hard to get rid of racism in football. Football is known to be a sport that unites people, therefor, this improper behaviour from football supporters damages the character of the sporting code.

Ronaldo is sad

The football community was left amazed when Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not celebrate his 150th goal for the club in a convincing win against Granada. On 3 September 2012, Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo revealed to the media that he was not happy at Real Madrid FC. Though he did not give reason(s) why he is not happy at the club, the Spanish media speculated it could be that he did not win the European Best Player Award which was won by Andres Iniesta. Ronaldo also mentioned that it was not a personal but a professional reason that he is not happy at Madrid. "I'm sad because of a professional issue and the club know why. That's why I didn't celebrate the goals, because I'm not happy. The people [at the club] know why," he told reporters after the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo left fans to celebrate his 150th goal during a match against Granada (www.telegraph.co.uk) 

Will Ronaldo leave Madrid
Ronaldo, previously expressed his unhappiness in the manner that Madrid has been treating his fellow teammate Kaka. The pair joined Real Madrid in 2009 with hopes of winning EUFA Champions League for the club, but have failed to do so last season after losing in the semi-finals to Bayern Munich and Kaka falling out of favour with the manager as he has become a bench warmer at the club. Life seemed great for Ronaldo after winning the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona as the win motivated the club ahead of the season.

Clubs dream to have Ronaldo in their team sheets but only a few can afford him. Manchester City is leading the race to lobby Ronaldo to the club after stating that they might make a 200 million euros offer for the winger. Ronaldo, whose 80 million euros transfer from Manchester to Madrid still remains the highest in football history.

Top 10 most expensive football transfers

Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United to Real Madrid – £80m (2009)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Inter Milan to Barcelona – £60.7m (2009)
Kaka: AC Milan to Real Madrid – £56m (2009)
Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea – £50m (2011)
Zinedine Zidane: Juventus to Real Madrid – £45.62m (2001)
Luis Figo: Barcelona to Real Madrid – £37m (2000)
Javier Pastore: Palermo to Paris Saint-Germain – £36.7m (2011)
Hernan Crespo: Parma to Lazio – £35.5m (2000)
Radamel Falcao: FC Porto to Atletico Madrid – £35.2m (2011)
• Sergio Aguero: Atletico Madrid to Manchester City – £35m (2011)
• Andy Carroll: Newcastle United to Liverpool – £35m (2011)

 

Will changing keepers work wonders for Pirates

Orlando Pirates FC have proven to be trendsetters as the Soweto team has set-up a new policy to rotate their goalkeepers throughout the season. It is unknown why the team decided to go for the strange arrangement. The policy has come to the rescue for Pirates' number two shot-stopper, Senzo Mayiwa, as he is rarely featured by the club unless the club's number one goalkeeper, Moeneeb Josephs, is unavailable.

(Orlando Pirates No 2 goalkeeper, Senzo Mayiwa will get a chance to plays half of the season's games)
www.supersport.com 

Moeneeb is still the best keeper
Though Pirates has not officially stated as to why they have come up with the new policy, it is obvious that Moeneeb Josephs will not be around for too long as age is playing its part. Josephs, 32, has been Orlando Pirates' first choice goalkeeper since his arrival in 2008. The 32 year-old Capetonian has been consistent in keeping his impressive form and his retirement from international football in May 2012 hinted how highly committed he is to Orlando Pirates. The rotation may be great news for Sonzo but he will have to earn his place in the team's starting line-up. " It is better for me to get game time and you can see Moeneeb is getting older, so I must be happy," said Pirates goalkeeper, Senzo Mayiwa to the reporters on Thursday, 23 August 2012.

(Orlando Pirates goalkeepers at a training seesion, on the left is Moeneeb Josephs and right is Senzo Mayiwa)
www.wordpress.com

Pirates should keep its winning formula
Age might have played a factor in the implementation of the new rotation policy, but the policy itself should be questioned because it does not make sense to put a player who is in good form on the bench as Moeneeb has proved his goalkeeping expertness even though ageing. One can argue Moeeb's ageing issue as we have witnessed a number of goalkeepers reaching their prime at a late stage of their careers. For example, former Pirates goalkeeper, William Opara reached his best form in his late 30s. I personally think that Pirates should re-look the new rotation policy before it backfires on the team. 

The Sea Robbers will dominate again

Orlando Pirates FC will be the team to beat this season. Pirates also known as the "Sea Robbers" have strengthened their squad, bringing in new signings and promoting a few development players to join the senior team. Pirates, unlike their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, have taken a different course on signing new players.They have focused on signing attacking players as the likes of Collins Mbesuma and Takesure Chinyama were confirmed to have joined the team on 15 August 2012.

(Orlando Pirates squad at the Premiere Soccer League awards as they were crowned team of the year for the 2011/12 season)www.teamkickoff.com

New signings will benefit the team

The new signings will add depth to the squad which will be fighting to defend their league title, MTN8, and the Telkom Knockout cup. I am impressed with the fact that Pirates did not leave the "Issac Chansa-position" issue unattended as he left the team for China. The team brought in Onyekachi Okonkwo to fill in Chansa's position. It was crucial to do so as Pirates will be taking part in the African Champions League. The "Sea Robbers" play an attacking style of football  but Okonkwo's addition to the squad will balance the team's dynamics because he is a defencive mid-fielder but can also attack at times. " We had to find a replacement for Issac as it is obvious that he's departure was major" said Pirates coach, Augusto Palacios, at a conference held by the team. (www.kickoff.co.za)

Orlando Pirates are good at benchmarking as it can be arguably said that the cause of their signings may be behind the fact that their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, have strengthened their defence force. But one can also argue that Pirates has the best defence, therefor this sums up that Pirates has the best squad in the Premiere Soccer League.

Players who have joined Orlando Pirates this season

• Collins Mbesuma
• Onyekachi Okonkwo
• Takesure Chinyama

South Africa prepares for the Afrcan football tournament

(African Cup of Nations (Afcon) logo. South Africa will be hosting the tournament in January 2013)www.news24.co.za

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is determined to make the Africa Cup of Nations a success as South Africa were handed over to host the tournament in January 2013. South Africa is known for being good hosts/organisers after it has successfully organised a number of global events. Though when it comes to football, as a hosting country, the success of the tournament is not only measured on the technical side but also on how the hosting team performs.

(FNB Stadiums is one the the stadiums that are going to be used during the Afcons)www.viralkings.com

South Africa has what it takes to host the Afcons
Yes, South Africa may have the best training facilities, stadiums, warm crowd and even handful of sponsors behind the tournament but does that guarantee the supporters that the national team will win the tournament? On 30 June 2012, SAFA appointed a new national coach, Gordon Igesund, to bring back the national team to its winning ways after displaying poor performance under former coach Pitso Mosimane, playing seven games and winning none. Igesund, who is the most decorated coach in South Africa, winning four Premiere Soccer League (PSL) titles with four different teams, has a difficult task ahead of him. With only six months to prepare the boys, SAFA has set an unrealistic objective for the coach to win the tournament with a team that is ranked 67th in the world.

South Africa had originally failed to qualify for the Afcons but became the hosting country after Libya bailed out, South Africa got automatic selection. Gordon Igesund is arguably the best coach in the country but even he admitted that it would be tough to achieve what SAFA had set for him. At a press conference held in July 2012 at the SAFA House, Igesund mentioned said he would take advise from PSL coaches with regards to player selections and is grateful for the support he has received from the fans and the South African media. Gordon's appointment has brought positive energy ahead of the Afcons. Should South Africa win the tournament, from a public relations point of view, it would be a successfully organised event as it would bring gain to both the supporters and the organising committee.

Stadiums that are going to be used for the Afcons

• FNB Stadium                                                 Johannesburg
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium                         Port Elizaberth
• Royal Bafokeng Stadium                                 Rusternburg
• Moses Mabhida Stadium                                 Durban

 

Sponsorships have an impact in South African football

(On the left is chairman of Kazer Chiefs, Kaizer Motaung and on the right is chairman of Orlando Pirates, Dr Ivan Khoza at the launch of the Carling Black Label Cup.www.soccerladuma.com) 

Six days back, Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC both sponsored by Carling Black Label locked horns in the second edition of the Carling Black Label Cup which Pirates won on penalties (5-4), after a one all draw. The match popularly known as the Soweto Derby proved that sponsorships are becoming a key factor in football clubs enhancing their image, performance and getting their supporters fully behind them.

The match against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs was a sponsorship activity, where supporters where given the opportunity to select the starting line-up for both teams, and it was a success as over 10.5 million votes were casted by football fans. The match was played at FNB stadium and was fully packed. Stadium Management SA released a statement saying, "we are confident that this year's edition will be sold out." (www.mtnfootball.com) 

It is a mutual benefit deal
Sponsorship deals between organisations and football clubs are made to benefit both parties involved as the organisation seek to create public awareness, brand loyalty and work on attitudes in order for the public to view them in a positive light. For example, Orlando Pirates are also sponsored by Vodacom, therefor its supporters may see it good to use Vodacom network as its sponsors their favourite team. Clubs on the other hand may benefit in a form of receiving money from their sponsors.

Some South African football teams have had long-lasting relationships with their sponsors. For example, Vodacom and Orlando have been have had a solid sponsorship deal for more than five years. Organisations are aware that they might not benefit directly as clubs do but they expect a return in terms of publicity.

Successful sponsorship deals in South African football

• Orlando Pirates and Vodacom sponship deal
• Kaizer Chiefs and Vodacom sponsorship deal
• Moroka Swallows and Volkswagen sponsorship deal
• Supersport and DSTV sponsorship deal 

Robin finally showing his full potential

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wemger, insists that Robin van Persie will stay with them after the star-striker has had a fantastic season.  On Thursday, Van Persie was crowned Footballer of the Year at the Football Writers' Association awards in London, after being consistent in front of goal mouth. His future has been subject in the media while his club, Arsenal, has not signalled information to the media concerning his next move.With many believing that he will move to a bigger club such as Real Madrid or Barcelona, the striker emphasised that he will always be a 'Gunner'.

Left, Robin van Persie was happy to receive the Player of the Year award on Thursday

Arsenal cannot afford to lose Robin 
With Arsenal lying third in the English Premiere League and are on the brink of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, Robin Van Persie has proved to be a worthy player as he has scored thirty five goals this season in all club competitions. It is evident that Arsenal cannot afford to lose its forward as the club's supporter love him and his fellow teammates have praised him for his professionalism. Arsenal also needs to ensure that there will not be a repeat of last season, when prolific players such as the likes of Cesc Febregas and Samir Nasri were snatched by clubs with bigger budgets. Arsenal is prominent for being a club that does not buy expensive players but develop ordinary players into football stars. In the past seasons, Arsenal have rather been reactive in the transfer market as they have sold their players without replacing them immediately. 

Van Persie has expressed his happiness at Arsenal and one would not imagine him with any other team than Arsenal. His manager is also confident that he will stay with the team. He mentioned in a press conference " I think what is important for us is that we find an agreement with him to be happy and to stay and finish his career here. I cannot guarantee that it will go well, but I am quite confident." Massages communicated by clubs are often accurate, I am not an Arsenal supporter but I would be delighted to see Robin stay and finish his career with 'The Gunners'.

Van Persie's goal scoring record since his arrival at Arsenal

Seasons                                Appearances                                 Goals

2004-05                                     41                                          10
2005-06                                     38                                          11
2006-07                                     31                                          13
2007-08                                     23                                          09
2008-09                                     44                                          20
2009-10                                     20                                          10
2010-11                                     33                                          22
2011-12                                     45                                          36

Pep has called it quits at Barcelona

Today, FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola announced that he will not continue managing Barcelona in the next season. His contract ends at the end of the season in June 2012. He took over Barcelona in 2008 as aged 37, as year young manager who nobody expected wonders from. Barcelona offered him a new deal but he refused it, insisting that the team needs a new manager who will bring fresh ideas in the Barcelona system. He is now hot property and any team would be delighted to have him as a manager as he has earned himself legendary status in the period he spent at FC Barcelona.

Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola during a confrence meeting as he announced that he will not continue with his team.
(http://www.yahoo.com/)



Will Barca manage without Pep?
Guardiola's departure will have have an impact in Barcelona's performance as players adapted easily to his coaching style. Football analysts and supporters have expressed their views, insisting that Barcelona is heading for its downfall. The team has lost three games in a row, an experience they have not had in two years. They were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by English team, Chelsea, which star player Messi missed a penalty in the second leg. They also lost in the El Classico against arch rivals Real Madrid, a game which most defined it as the league decider. Since Pep arrived at Barclona, the am has played beautiful football, which saw them winning thirteen trophies, dominating in Europe for four years.Their mini-slump has caused them both the Spanish league title, which Real Madrid are favourite winners, leading them by seven points with only four games remaining and the Champions league as they lost in the semi-finals.

Pep had kept everyone waiting including Barcelona on his decision whether he would continue coaching the Spanish giants. Rumours have also been circulating around the 41-year old manager's destination, with many speculating that his next job will be at Chelsea. At a conference, he apologised for keeping the team, supporters and the media waiting on his decision, he said at a conference " I am very sorry for all of the uncertainty i created over this time over my future, maybe it was an error of mine." Fans grew impatient over his silent behaviour as it created a tense atmosphere in the Barcelona camp. Players were also affected by his silence as the mood was as good as it should during the past three games. His reason for leaving is fair because he mentioned that the team needs someone who will bring something new that he cannot. (http://www.news24.co.za/)

Pep's triumphs at Barcelona

UEFA Champions League winners

• 2008-2009
• 2010-2011

FIFA Club World Cup winners

• 2009-2010
• 2012-2013

Spanish League Championship

• 2008-2009
• 2009-2010
• 2010-2011

Super Cup

• 2009-2010

Spanish Cup

• 2008-2009

     



Players were astonished as Fabrice Muamba collapsed during a match
(http://www.thesun.co.uk/) 


While the global football community was put to relief over Bolton Wonderers player, Frabice Muamba being discharged in hospital after collapsing during a football match on 17 March, football was hit again with tragedy by the death if Italian footballer, Piermario Morosini. It had been reported that the 25 year old Livorno player had suffered from cardiac arrest but it is unclear where it really is cardiac arrest as the post mortem shows otherwise.

There is unity in football
As a football fan, I was delighted by the support that the football community gave over the two incidents that have occurred. Football players and supporters all over the world showed support as they posted on Facebook and Tweeter messages of support to the family and friends of both the players. Bolton Wonderers manager, Owen Coyle, thanked everyone for their support, he added, "it is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital." Players and football fans took their support to the stadiums as they wore t-shirts in support of the incidents that have occurred. Furthermore, the global football body, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), have also showed their support as president Sepp Blatter wrote to Bolton Wonderers chairman, "the football family's thoughts and prayers are with Frabrice's family, club and loved ones at this difficult time," (www.cbc.ca/sports). FIFA has also stated that it will ensure that all professional football players are checked for heart related diseases.Football influencers have called for governments to invest more in sports with regards to their health. These sad events have showed that not only football is affected but sports in general.

Sad day for football as family, friends and the global football community attended the funeral of Piermario Morosini
(http://www.dailynews.com/)

Should there even be comparison between Messi and Neymar



Messi, Pele and Neymar at the UEFA awards.(http://www.elitedaily.com/)



Brazilian legend Pele, has once again dismissed claims that Barcelona FC player, Lionel Messi, is the greatest player in modern football. On Wednesday, Pele minimised Messi, saying that his countryman Neymar is better than Messi. Pele however, said " there's always this Maradona comparison, saying that he's better than Pele. Now some are saying that Messi is better than Pele. Well, he has to be better than Neymar first, which he isn't yet." Some Pele supporters including him have insisted that Messi would have to win the World Cup to be included in the conversation of the greatest football players of all time.

Who is the best
However, Messi has broken almost all of the football records globally and has recieved the best player award for three consecutive years. The humble Argentine has not even once responded negatively to Pele's allegations but has instead proved himself on the pitch. Scoring more than fifty goals this season, Lionel Messi has remained in top form since getting an automatic selection in the Barcelona squad five years ago. Though one cannot deny that Neymay is also a good player but he is still young and has to gain experience.

Will Neymar join Barcelona 
Rumours have circled around the global football community that Neymar will transfer to Barcelona next season. Having both Neymar and Messi pairing up front would be a football heaven for Barcelona or rather football itself. While Pele is going around stating that Neymar is the better than Messi, it could negatively impact the team's chemistry. Also, from a public relations point of view, Pele should rather encourage and influence both players to develop a friendship rather than making individual comparison, as there is a possibility of the players teaming up.

Lionel Messi's goal record for Barcelona in the past five years

• 2007/2008 Season        16 goals
• 2008/2009 Season        38 goals
• 2009/2010 Season        47 goals
• 2010/2011 Season        53 goals
• 2011/2012 Season        61 goals as yet

Seems like Bafana Bafana is going nowhere

One can argue that South African football has improved but there are still factors that challenge the development of South African football. One thing that has always been a problem is the inconsistent form of the South African senior national team. The South African national team, popularly known as Bafana Bafana has not performed well in recent years, failing to qualify for both 2010 and 2012 African Cups of Nations. 

Bafana Bafana logo ( http://www.faraitoday.com/)

                                                                                                                                                
Embarrassing moment for South Africa
The national team embarrassed themselves in October 2011 by celebrating after playing a draw against Sierra Leone, thinking that they had qualified for the 2012 African Cups of Nations tournament. It was a game which South Africa needed to win in order to qualify but drew and misread the rules of qualification. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) mistakenly announced that Bafana Bafana had qualified for the cup finals while the South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Kirsten Nematandani complimented the national team for achieving, before realisation that SABC had communicated a false message. In a statement released by SAFA, it stated that it would appeal to the Confederation of African Football but later withdrawn. Damage had already been done as South African football supporters were furious and confused and SAFA became the scapegoats of what had been called " South Africa's football shameful moment". (http://www.sport24.co.za/)

  An exclusive interview with Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane as he gives his overview of future plans.(http://www.youtube.com/)

Way foward for Bafana Bafana

There has been a handful recommendations on how Bafana Bafana can improve their play and start winning games. Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane has called for SAFA and the Premiere Soccer League (PSL) to work together in developing football in South Africa. Both SAFA and the Premiere Soccer League board should work on strengthening their relationship as there had been reports that some PSL soccer teams refuse to release their players to go represent the national team because of the busy schedule set by the PSL board. "We are working on a policy that will help us work with clubs as far as releasing players is concerned. As an organisation we have to flex our muscles and make sure that the national pride is not compromised by owners of clubs," said SAFA vice-president, Mwelo Nonkonyane. (http://www.supersport.com/)

Bafana Bafana's last five games results (http://www.safa.net/)

• 08 October 2011          South Africa vs Sierra Leone           Draw 0-0
• 12 November 2011       South Africa vs Cote d'Ivoire             Draw 1-1
• 15 November 2011       Zimbabwe vs South Africa                   Lost  2-1
• 06 January 2012           Equatorial Guinea vs South Africa    Draw 0-0
• 29 February 2012         South Africa vs Senegal                   Draw 0-0

Nothing can stop Messi

Barcelona FC player Lionel Messi, has being hailed as a living legend by the media. This was after he made history by being Barcelona's highest goal scorer of all time. He scored his 234th goal on Tuesday 20 March in their 5-3 win against Granada. It was claimed by the Spanish media that the 24 year old  Argentine could become the greatest player in football history.(http://www.bleacherreport.com/)

Record breaker Messi celebrating one of his goals on Tueasday's game against Granada
(http://www.faniq.com/) 

                                               

Messi relates well with teammates 
Messi has mentioned before that not only skill and speed is important in football, but also communication and understanding play a vital role in the success of the team. Messi communicates well with his teamates on the pitch, especially with likes of Xavi and Iniesta who have contributed more in assisting Messi to score goals. Messi and his teammates play well on the field and Barcelona's manager, Pep Guardiola, has emphasised that his players  also get along very well off the pitch and their relationships amongst each other are strong and encourages brotherhood. (http://www.supersport.com/)

Football record breaker 
The Argentine's record breaking deed has left many football fans wondering if his arch-rival Real Madrid player, Christiano Ronaldo should still be matched with him. In a press conference held by Barcelona after their win against Granada on Tuesday, Barcelona's Pep stated that "I feel sorry for those who would like knoch off his throne, because that is impossible." Football spectators have interpreted this message as being directed to Ronaldo.(http://www.sport24.co.za/)
                                                        The two best players in the world

Desperate Ronaldo is living under the shadow of Messi[www.blearcherreport.com]

Messi's  heroics has given Barcelona the spotlight. With a handful number of organisations wanting to be associated with the team in terms of sponsorships and player indorsements. Having close to 24 million fans, Barcelona FC has managed to reach out to its fans argueably more than any other team. They can also be refered to as a SocialCorp as it uses social media such as blogs and a Facebook page to interact with its stakeholders.

                      Messi's goals against Granada on Tuesday(http://www.youtube.com/)                                  

Will Pirates ship sink



Suspended Pirates coach, Julio Leal at a conference(http://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/)



On Monday 12 March 2012, Orlando Pirates Football Club suspended coach, Julio Leal with immediate effect. Despite him winning two trophies since his arrival at the club, Leal has found it difficult to settle in at Pirates. With Pirates supporters claiming that Julio knows little about the club and that he is not behind the success of the team. The media also reported that he took over a star-studded team which was capable of winning any competition in the league.

Negativity tarnished the team
The negative hype around the suspended coach has not done good for Orlando Pirates, both on and off the field. Pirates communication department have also done matters worse by refusing to give details and comment on the suspension of coach, Leal. Though Pirates' spokesperson has refused to comment, it has been reported by the Soccer Laduma newspaper that there has been instability in the team and that the coach had lost control over his team. Rumours that Leal cannot discipline his players have portrayed Orlando Pirates in a negative light. Leal has been coach of Orlando Pirates for six month and has kept a good record of defending the MTN8 and winning the Telkom Knockout. There has been a few setbacks during his time as Pirates coach which are, Orlando Pirates has been inconsistent in its league campaign and it is knocked out of the African Champions League. (http://www.news24.co.za/)

Pirates refuses to talk
Orlando Pirates issued a statement during the announcement of the suspension of the Brazilian coach. The statement read that "Orlando Pirates Football Club has with immediate effect suspended the coach, Mr Julio Cesar Leal, as the club embarks on a fact finding investigation into reasons why, during performance evaluation sessions, the coach expressed that he could not see his way forward and offered the chairman to do what is right for the club." (http://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/).
From a communications point of view, the chairman's interpretation from the coaches expression could be that the coach wanted to leave the club. Pirates refusal to comment further on the matter does not do any good for the team as it leaves the media and club fans to make their own assumptions, which could negatively impact the team and tarnish Orlando Pirates' image. Julio Leal's last match as Pirates coach was against a weaker team in the lower league, Ethekwini Coastal, which saw Pirates win 1-0.


Orlando Pirates last five match results

• 14/03/12     Santos vs Orlando Pirates                                 3-0 ABSA Premiership
• 03/03/12     Recreativo Libolo(ANG) vs Orlando Pirates     1-1 Africa Champions League
• 26/02/12     Orlando Pirates vs Maritzburg United                1-0 ABSA Premiership
• 22/02/12     Platinum Stars vs Orlando Pirates                      3-4 ABSA Premiership
• 19/02/12     Orlando Pirates vs Recreativo Libolo (ANG)     1-3 Africa Champions League

The Brazilian coach has been under pressure since he joined Orlando Pirates, as he was appointed to defend the cups that Pirates had won in the last season and also win the African Champions League which which Pirates last won in 1995. The coach took over, using his preferred philosophy which some players of the star players could not adapt to. His preferred philosophy could be the reason why some players have gone astray and the team being inconsistent in its league games. (http://www.wettpoint.com/)

   

Chelsea should hire a long-term manager



Former Chelsea manager frustrated as his team is defeated by Everton

Andre Villas-Boas' firing from his managerial position as Chelsea FC manager came as no surprise. The former Chelsea manager had been under pressure since he took over as manager in June 2011. The Portuguese coach had a bad run with the team, with his latest record of only winning five games in the last sixteen games. Villa-Boas is also former FC Porto manager, a Portuguese team which reached success under him, winning the Portuguese league and Uefa Europa Cup.(http://www.espn.com/)

Questions were raised whether the 34-year old coach was the right cancidate for the job as Chelsea FC is a big team which competes for both domestic and continental honours. Vila-Boas was given the job as Chelsea manager after his success at FCPorto but Chelsea ignored the fact that handing the club over to the 34-year Portuguese as manager would be a challenge because of the following reasons:

• He is unfamiliar with the English football and culture.
• He is younger than some of the senior players at Chelsea.
• The standard of football in England is higher than of that in Portugal.
• He would have to deal with the huge egos at Chelsea.
• He is unfamiliar with Chelsea's philosofical formations. 

From a communications point of view Chelsea FC created confusion amongst its supporters and the media when it emphasised at a press conference that Villa-Boas was hired on a long term basis and would be given full support by the team, only to find out a month later that he is fired. Chelsea supporters and the media were divided over Andre Villa-Boas, with a group who were tired of Chelsea constantly changing managers and wanted the coach to stay for a long period regarding long term ambitions. The other group were fed up with Chelsea's poor perfomance under Villa-Boas, as the is fairly out of the league title race. The media and supporters also realised that the there had been communication problems between the manager and some players. 



Desperate Vllia-Boas giving instructions to striker Daniel Sturridge(http//www.guardian.co.uk)



Who is next in line for the job 

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan stated that a communication breakdown could occur with foreign club owners such as Roman Abramovich and the supporters. This breakdown is likely to occur as some owners know little about about English football and do not regard themselves responsible for football in England. Criticism on Chelsea's managerial policy aroused as it is a club with the highest record of hiring and firing coaches in the past three years. With a record of six coaches in three years, the latest being Roberto Di Matteo who is temporary in charge of the club.(http://www.skynews.com/)

It has also being reported that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is likely to return to Chelsea as he wants to leave Spanish league leaders Real Madrid only after winning the Spanish league and if possible the Uefa Champions League. This would bring controvesy to Chelsea because Maurinho had a fall out with club owner Roman Abramovich. Maurinho is the club's most successful manager in Chelsea history, winning all domestic cups in England including two league titles. Again from a communication point of view it would be in Chelsea's benefit to rehire Maurinho because he understands the club's culture,has a good relationship with the players, engages better with the supporters and fans simply love him.

        Video clip of Mourinho vowing to return to Chelsea (http//www.Youtube.com)