Siyabonga Ntshingila

Finally, after more than a few years where cup supremacy (which I will grudgingly concede belongs to Kaizer Chiefs) and pride were the only things to be played for, the old Soweto rivals, Chiefs and Pirates, will square off in a match that means something beyond just the respective fans’ moods when they go to […]

So the news wires and opinion forums (this one included) have been all abuzz about the latest chapter in the life of a well-connected, rule-flouting, middle-aged businessman. Views, bile and hysteria have been spewing forth much like the golden nectar from the draught taps at a hot, lazy and increasingly despondent Kingsmead this past weekend. […]

I’ll keep this one brief, Mondays are rough enough hey? Four weeks in, here’s what I’ve figured: Bulls: Stick to your knitting and you’ll be just fine. These ELV malarkeys don’t forbid kicking it long and keeping it tight. Keep Fourie du Preez fit and when in doubt, swing it to Pierre Cheetahs: Take up […]

The front page news of the Thursday March 5 edition of Mondli Makhanya’s rather entertaining daily baby left me rather, erm, in an enthused state. Julius Malema missing a rally because he had been out late previously and was quite possibly nursing the effects of Bachuss’s vengeance. Now sure Julius sells papers, and makes for […]

Though I have never been one to believe the banking industry exists purely for altruistic social empowerment motives, I have always thought they would be leading the charge in educating on the basic principle that a fiscally prudent society tends to be more prosperous in the long run. Sustained economic prosperity would, of course, only […]

So on the weekend, Tata Mandela, our former president and global moral beacon came out and re-affirmed his support for the ANC. Speaking on his behalf, his grandson proclaimed that “when he gets to heaven, the first thing he will do is enquire about the local ANC branch”. A sentiment that Mandela did express a […]

We are a much-maligned lot, we who have a fondness for fortifying malt-based beverages. Whenever the government needs a quick fix to balance its books, pay for JZ’s legal fees, Trevor’s follicle treatments etc we get milked. Just like that. No-one ever thinks about the good we do. Not only do we contribute to the […]

The New Zealand Super 14 sides announced their squads in December. Yes, December. Meaning that two months before the start of the tournament the coaches had decided which thirty players they wanted to work with, and who needed to up their game some more. Now what does a two-month head start mean? It means two […]

Some of my friends are white; we all know the line that comes before that statement. You know which one I’m referring to, the indignant protestation of any suggestion of having prejudicial tendencies. We’ve all used it, this being South Africa, accusations of racism, be they explicit, implied or expressed through judgemental body language, are […]

Yeah. Let’s jump on the bandwagon folks. Boo Luke. Show the doos what for! Jeer him like he stole overexcitement from Noeleen. After all, nothing else can achieve the desired effect. Which, if I think things through correctly, must be for the Stormers to play their Super 14 matches to a season-long chorus of boos. […]

When you border on extreme corpulence as I do, and happen to live and work in the most Godforsakenly humid environment outside the paedophile section of Hades, you and the water station tend to become very close mates. This is especially true when the air-conditioning is always kindly set to imitate the natural conditions outside. […]

Your vice-captain or the new hot hand on the block? After a rocky start, Ashwell Prince has proven to be a reliable steady influence in the Proteas’ middle order. That summer against the Pakistanis proved to be his making and he’s not looked back since, while his maturity and leadership within the team saw him […]