Siyabonga Ntshingila

Think St. Paul’s conversion was something? Try Percy Montgomery’s public makeover. Incredible. That he did it all the right way — on the field — makes it even more credible and all respect to him. Amazing to see just how almost everyone (there are always a few dunces) is united in their goodwill for a […]

Should there have been any doubt about the Boks’ legitimacy as world champions, Saturday’s heroics would have put these to rest. Our biggest enemy conquered in their stronghold, and when everyone and their dog gave us no chance. Ricky Januarie is unlucky to be a hero in this age. Rarely has a man so deserved […]

So Sundowns have signed Sibusiso Zuma (pencil him in for Player of The Year and get ready for the clamouring to begin for his restoration to the Bafana fold), Siboniso Gaxa, Katlego Mphela (who must be salivating like a skollie on a mandrax high, at the thought of the service he will be getting this […]

Can we all just take a moment to breathe and inject some perspective into our thinking? Now. So Saturday did not go according to plan. Is it time for panic stations? Not on yer nelly. It says a lot for our national mentality that when our players are entrusted with the freedom to make their […]

Remember yesteryear’s defensive midfielder? The (usually) nuggety stocky guy with unkempt hair? Strangely this condition affected defensive mids of all hues-, socks around his ankles, permanent scowl, and all the footballing ability of a wet chicken with two left feet? He was the team’s hatchet man; didn’t break down the opposition moves so much as […]

Einstein once said the definition of lunacy is to repeat the same actions while expecting the results to change. This came to mind as I was reading opinion pieces in print media and online about how Peter de Villiers should go for outright brawn against the Kiwis in the Tri-Nations Tests, something about bullying them […]

So what have we learnt from Peter de Villiers’ tenure so far? Certainly there hasn’t been enough sustained evidence of the promised shimmering new expansive game plan in the three Tests thus far. That though, I believe can be attributed to the nature of the opposition and the very fact that well, it’s only been […]

So Marco van Basten’s imperious Oranje Army find themselves atop their Euro group with every team’s fate in their hands. Good times for the dyke-builders. No-one can deny them their position after two absolutely magnificent victories, I daresay their third goal against France and their second against the Azzuri were the best examples of counterattacking […]

So with one round of the Euro Championships gone, the time for hype has died and everyone have put down their markers. The big guns seem to be back in full force to avenge the utter humiliation of Euro 2004 and this is shaping up to be a classic tournament. I would imagine the betting […]

There’s a philosophical argument that’s been proposed throughout the ages that sport is a peacetime proxy for war. Certainly the parallels are too striking to ignore (the blind “us and them mentality”, ordinary men striving together for untold glory, a glorious, but ultimately in the bigger scheme of things, futile triumphs, huge amounts of emotional […]

We football fans are an optimistic lot. I would know, being a lifelong Orlando Pirates F.C. fan. I still believe. I always will, too. I will chew my fingers to the bone waiting for that stirring fight back, one hand on the Gold Star above our club badge (eat your hearts out Chief’s supporters), the […]

Four years ago we staggered out of the mess that was Kamp Staaldraad and the abysmal 2003 World Cup misadventure. Now, in 2008, Der Springbokken start the international season as the world champions and number-one-ranked team against a Welsh team who, well, are more garden gecko than fearsome dragon and must surely make the Willie […]