Thursday, 30 April 2015



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West Brom's Rising Star Joshua Ezewele Shines Against Arsenal

West Brom's Rising Star Joshua Ezewele Shines Against Arsenal In The U21 Premier League Division


Joshua Ezewele demonstrated on Tuesday afternoon that he is making remarkable progress at West Brom, starring for their Under 21 team in a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the U21 Premier League Division 2.

It seems the right-back has won over the Baggies Youth Team coach, James Shan, who gushed about his performance against The Gunners in his post-match comments.

Joshua Ezewele primarily defends the colours of West Brom's Under 18 team, but has been drafted into the Under 21s four times this season after a string of imperious displays for the younger squad.

''I was really impressed with several of the Under-18 players in the squad, most notably Josh Ezewele at right-back and Jack Fitzwater at centre-back,'' James Shan told West Brom's official website, wba.co.uk.

''Josh has caught my eye with his attacking attributes when I have watched him in the Under 18’s.

"He got forward well today but his defensive work was also very good. ''

The 18-year-old Ezewele is eligible to represent the national teams of Nigeria and England.




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Man City Skipper Adarabioyo Congratulates Solanke & Aina For Winning FA Youth Cup

Man City Skipper, Tosin Adarabioyo, Congratulates Solanke & Aina For Winning FA Youth Cup


Manchester City Under 18 skipper Tosin Adarabioyo has proven not to be a sore loser and has lauded Chelsea for winning the FA Youth Cup for the second year in a row on Monday night.

The England youth international was one of the five Nigerian-born players that were handed starting spots along with teammate Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea trio Dominic Solanke, Ola Aina and Fikayo Tomori.

''Massive congratulations to Chelsea. They have very good players, performed well and scored the goals so well done to them,'' Tosin Adarabioyo told the official website of Manchester City, mcfc.co.uk.

Having said that, the Anglo-Nigerian has praised his teammates for not throwing in the towel despite losing the first leg 3-1.

Nigeria youth international Kelechi Iheanacho had given The Citizens hope of a comeback at Stamford Bridge with a fifth minute goal, only for Brown and Abraham to score for the champions in the 20th and 46th minute respectively.

''The boys worked hard from minute 1 to minute 90 so I am really proud of all the boys today.

We have all experienced how far we can get in this competition and so next year we want to go one step further which is winning it,'' the 17-year-old added.

Apart from Kelechi Iheanacho, who was subbed off in the 71st minute, the remaining players of Nigerian descent played the full 90 minutes.

Iheanacho’s Father: My Son Will Make U20 W/Cup

Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho will make the Nigerian team to this summer’s FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand, his father, James, has told sl10.ng.
There has been conflicting reports as to the availability of the 18-year old for the U20 World Cup, as he has suffered a recurring ankle injury – even though he returned to score in City’s FA Youth Cup final loss to Chelsea last weekend.
He is in Nigeria’s provisional list for the tournament, but has been serious doubt giving his injuries.
But in an interview with sl10.ng, the player’s father, James Iheanacho said his son has fully recovered from his injury and will be ready for the U20 World Cup.
“I spoke to him and he told me he is fit now,” he told sl10.ng. “He has been suffering from that injury (ankle) and it comes and goes.
“But I know he will be fit enough to go to the World Cup and he has told me so. The World Cup is a big tournament that my son will like to play in, so he’ll be there,” he added.
Kelechi Iheanacho has recently suffered injury nightmares, but starred and scored for City’s U18’s in their FA Youth Cup final loss to Chelsea.
If fully fit, he is expected to make Nigeria’s final 21-man squad, despite having been a peripheral figure since the team was formed.
aaron samuel

Aaron: Egypt Won’t Stop Eagles’ 2017 AFCON Dream

Six-capped Super Eagles striker, Aaron Samuel has declared that the Pharaohs of Egypt will not pose a stumbling block to Nigeria’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification ambition.
Super Eagles, winners in 2013, were absent at the 2015 edition of the African flagship championship in Equatorial Guinea won by the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
Nigeria is logged in group E of the qualifiers alongside Egypt, Tanzania and Chad with the elimination series billed to get off the ground in June.
The 20-year-old Guangzhou R&F of China forward who has just recovered from a shoulder injury is emphatic in his conviction that the three time African champions will qualify from the group ahead of Egypt.
“We’ve learnt from mistakes we made in the past which stopped us from going to the 2015 AFCON”, starts Samuel who has scored two goals for the Super Eagles in six games.
“We’re looking forward to the qualifiers and the 2017 tournament in Gabon.
“Egypt is no doubt a strong opposition, though others in the group are tough also. But surely they cannot qualify ahead of us.
“We’ll take the games seriously and as they come too. To qualify for the AFCON, or any other major championship, its important you take points from away games and this we’ll ensure we do.
“I’ve come to understand that picking points away from home is key to qualification.
“AFCON 2015 was an eye opener for us and hopefully it won’t happen again”, the former Dolphins of Port Harcourt forward emphasized.
Enyeamalille

LIlle Coach: Enyeama Not To Blame For Our 6-1 Defeat

Lille OSC trainer Rene Girard insists his Nigerian goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, was not to blame for the 1-6 loss to PSG in Ligue 1 last weekend.
Enyeama made just one save all game as Les Parisiens scored from six of the seven
attempts they mustered on target.
It was an evening to forget for the Nigerian shot-stopper, who endured the nadir when PSG’s Uruguayan marksman, Edinson Cavani, chipped nonchalantly past him to make it 2-0 in the fourth minute prompting the shell-shocked 34-year-old to call for a change of gloves.
It did not translate to a change in fortunes for Enyeama as he shipped in four more goals as his side suffered their heaviest defeat of the season.
Girard has now moved to offer words of comfort for his Nigerian charge, insisting that the Nigerian was not responsible for the heavy defeat.
“It was not the goalkeeper’s (Enyeama’s fault). I won’t blame any individual (for the loss) because as a team, we did not play well enough.
“We suspected it was not going to be easy to get around Paris.
“But to see what happened, it was not imaginable, especially in light of what was produced in recent times. PSG is a good team, that’s one thing, but for us to have behaviour like that, it’s another.
“I know these are things that happen. After three, four minutes, it was already 2-0 down, it means a lot. These are bad times, it’s never fun to take a ‘cap’ like this. I told the boys I was not happy,” he was quoted as saying on the club’s official website, www.losc.fr.
Bolasie, Drogba And Ndoye Make Shortlist For April EPL African Award
Published: April 30, 2015
Bolasie, Drogba And Ndoye Make Shortlist For April EPL African Award
The Publisher and Awards Director of New African Soccer, Tunde Adelakun, has announced the shortlist for the April English Premier League African Player of the Month award.

This is in continuation of the awards programme that is being done in partnership with social diaspora organisation, Africans Abroad Recognised (AAR).

In a statement, Adelakun announced Crystal Palace’s DR Congo forward Yannick Bolasie, Hull City’s Senegalese striker Dame N’doye and Chelsea’s Ivorian Didier Drogba in the shortlist.

Adelakun, who called on media colleagues to take an active part in the voting/selection process, stated that the Awards have been an immense success and “the appreciation showed by the awardees has given encouragement to us to continue the good work we are doing, which is recognising and celebrating our stars who are performing in the Premier League”.

Given a brief background on the shortlisted players, the Director said, “Yannick Bolasie has had a good April. The hat trick away to Sunderland showed just how much he could do, and how much potential he has. He has performed well in the month and deserves his place on the shortlist”.

On Dame N’doye, Adelakun said, “N’doye has settled well in the League, and his performance belies his age and relative inexperience in England. He has been unlucky not to have won the award this far. But his efforts are noted and applauded”.

The choice of Didier Drogba might have come as a surprise to many, but Adelakun, who is fast being reputed for his passion for “celebrating the past in the present to inspire the future” said “Drogba has rewritten the books of age in football.

“He is 37 years old, and has started and played full 90 minute matches for a high intensity team like Chelsea, three times in a row this month.

“Although he has lost his sharp edge and pace, the fact that his body is carrying him to do this feat at that age, as a main striker, is laudable and worthy of mention”.

The Expensive Gossip

Spurs to offer cash plus Townsend for Schneiderlin, Newcastle want Chelsea's Bamford, Liverpool in for Kovacic...
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Real COULD offer Bale for Hazard, Man City to offer £30m for Wilshere and Arsenal to move for Barcelona's Pedro.
SCHNEIDERLIN FOR CASH + TOWNSENDTo the Evening Standard, who claim Tottenham are confident of landing Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton this summer. They report that the fee would be around £20m, which is a bloody steal if you ask us.

However, this is not as simple as a simple £20m bid. With Mauricio Pochettino aiming to trim the fat from his Tottenham squad, the Standard say that Spurs would be looking to add a player or two into the deal in order to reduce the fee.

The two players mentioned are Benjamin Stambouli and Andros Townsend, who have started a combined 14 matches in the Premier League this season. That's the same number they started in the Europa League, which gives you an indication of their place in the White Hart Lane hierarchy.

If Spurs manage to get Schneiderlin for £10m plus Townsend, they should organise street parties to celebrate the steal.


NEWCASTLE WANT BAMFORDPatrick Bamford is officially hot property. Despite never having played a top-flight match, the striker's goals in the Championship since moving from Nottingham Forest to Chelsea make him the Next Big Thing in the eyes of most casual observers.

Bamford himself has stated his desire to return to Chelsea next season, but his parent club are understood to be keen on letting him join a Premier League club on loan if he is guaranteed regular first-team football.

The Daily Mail report that Newcastle are the favourites to sign Bamford, after being knocked back in their attempt to sign Manchester United's James Wilson on loan for next season. Bamford is used to the north east after scoring 19 league goals for Middlesbrough this season.


LIVERPOOL IN RACE FOR KOVACICFirst things first: Mateo Kovacic is a little dreamboat, and we would be delighted to see him in the Premier League.

The Croatia international is expected to leave Internazionale this summer. Inter have gone downhill rapidly, and Roberto Mancini seems intent on spending all of his summer pocket money on Yaya Toure. It's an old-fashioned tale of romance.

Reports suggested that Arsenal were interested in signing Kovacic, but the Daily Express (via Tuttomercatoweb, natch) claim that the playmaker would prefer a move to Liverpool or Barcelona. Those are two clubs in very different situations.

Worth pointing out that Barcelona have a transfer ban until next January, which might help Liverpool's cause.


AND THE RESTBurton manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink admits that he could lead the Brewers to the League Two title and quit if a big club comes in for him...Tottenham will listen to offers for their £30million record singing Erik Lamela...Premier League new boys Bournemouth are bracing themselves for a battle to hang on to £12million Callum Wilson - with half of the top flight chasing the striker...Patrick Vieira is in the frame for the manager's job at Marseille next season...Promoted Bournemouth aim to make Birmingham starlet Demarai Gray their first signing for the top flight in a £5.5million deal...West Brom are on the trail of Michail Antonio...Newcastle are weighing up a move for highly-rated Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez...Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is ready to reject Paris Saint-Germain and sign a new contract with the club...Carles Gil is poised to hold talks with Tim Sherwood over his future as his move to Aston Villa threatens to turn into a nightmare.

Chelsea one win from title

Chelsea came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 at the King Power Stadium and move within one win of claiming the Premier League title.
Jose Mourinho’s men found themselves 1-0 down to a Marc Albrighton goal at half-time, but they came out with much more pace and purpose after the break and goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires turned the game on its head.
The result means that a Chelsea victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday will guarantee them an insurmountable 83-point haul, meaning they cannot be caught at the top.
Meanwhile, Leicester, who were good value for their first-half lead, remain outside the relegation places by one point.
Mourinho handed a surprise start in goal to Petr Cech in place of Thibaut Courtois, who was not 100 per cent fit according to the Chelsea boss.
Drogba was also brought in to add more physicality to their attack, but it was the hosts who started with the most muscle.
Esteban Cambiasso picked out Leonardo Ulloa with a fantastic first-time pass that sent the striker through on goal, but Ulloa's first touch was poor and the ball squirmed away from danger.
Leicester continued to look more threatening in possession as Chelsea struggled to find any tempo to their game. Paul Konchesky forced a smart save low down to his right from Cech on 41 minutes and somehow Chelsea survived a goalmouth scramble that saw Cambiasso and Albrighton go close.
Albrighton had not scored a Premier League goal for three years before this clash but you would not have thought it judging by the way he stroked home Leicester’s goal just before half-time.
Jamie Vardy did the hard graft down the left wing and sent over a delicious cross along the wet turf which confused Cesar Azpilicueta, who slipped, and Albrighton was the man on the spot to fire home.
Strong words must have been said in the Chelsea dressing room at half-time and they came out a different animal in the second half; full of pace and determination.
It took them just three minutes to draw level and it came from a man who has made a career out of scoring big goals at big moments.
Drogba showed great striking instinct to find half a yard inside the area and Branislav Ivanovic found the striker with a fine cross, which he swept home confidently.
Leicester huffed and puffed but failed to deal with the revitalised Chelsea midfield, spearheaded by the brilliant and energetic Willian.
Drogba spurned chances to doublie his tally with a couple of wayward shots, but it was his skipper, Terry, that edged Chelsea in front with 11 minutes left.
Gary Cahill powered a header towards goal from a Cesc Fabregas corner and although Foxes 'keeper Kasper Schmeichel tipped his header away, Terry was on hand to poke home from two yards.
The Chelsea fans were now in full voice, sarcastically singing “boring, boring, Chelsea” in response to the Arsenal fans' chants after the 0-0 draw on Sunday.
There was nothing boring about Chelsea's third goal, though, as they turned on the style.
Cesc Fabregas danced his way down the right flank and cut the ball back for Ramires, who still had a lot to do, but he found the top corner with a bullet of a strike from the edge of the area to put Chelsea on the cusp of a first title for five years.
Player Ratings:
Leicester: Schmeichel (6), Wasilewski (6), Huth (6), Morgan (7), Albrighton (7), King (6), Cambiasso (7), Drinkwater (7), Konchesky (6), Vardy (7), Ulloa (6).
Subs: De Laet (7), James (7), Mahrez (6).
Chelsea: Cech (6), Ivanovic (7), Cahill (6), Terry (7), Azpilicueta (6), Ramires (7), Matic (6); Willian (9), Fabregas (7), Hazard (6), Drogba (7).
Subs: Zouma (6), Mikel (6), Cuadrado (6)
Man of the match: Willian

Mourinho: We are the best

Jose Mourinho has insisted that Chelsea are what “every team wants to be” and he is not worried by other opinions of his side.
Last Updated: 30/04/15 at 08:21 Post Comment


The Blues moved to within one victory of their fourth Premier League crown after coming from behind to beat Leicester 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Marc Albrighton had sent the home fans into raptures in first-half stoppage time, but goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires sealed an impressive second-half comeback.
Arsenal fans taunted the Blues at the weekend by chanting “boring, boring Chelsea” at the Emirates, which led to much scrutiny as to whether or not the Blues are entertaining to watch.
Mourinho was as bullish as ever after victory in the East Midlands, and believes other teams would love to be at the same level as his side.
“It is phenomenal what the team are doing. Being top of the league since day one is not easy,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“Today, we played against a team on a great run, who have won 12 points out of 12, playing at home with lots of confidence, then we go a goal down.
“To come back in the second half the way my boys did it is fantastic.
“My experience in football is just worry about my feelings. I know what I feel in relation to the work we have been doing in the last two years.
“I don’t need other people to recognise what we are, I know what we are. In a very pragmatic way, we are what every team wants to be.
“It is also stylish to defend well against a dangerous team like they [Leicester] are. We coped magnificently well with them.”
Another three points against London rivals Crystal Palace at the weekend will see the Premier League trophy make its way south for only the second time in nine seasons, but Mourinho was quick to point out the job is not done yet.
“Stamford Bridge must be ready to push the team next Sunday,” Mourinho added.
“We need Stamford Bridge not to be celebrating the title, as we do not have the title. We need them to push us to the three points we need.
“When I arrived two years ago, in terms of the Premier League, Chelsea was struggling.
“Last season we had an evolution, we finished third but could have finished second or first.
“This season has been absolutely magnificent from a small group of players.
“We have lots of young people with lots of difficult emotions to cope with.
“We are almost there. In the moment we get these final three points to become champions, the boys need to be really proud of themselves.”

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Fikayo Tomori Pleased To Win FA Youth Cup With Chelsea
Published: April 28, 2015
Fikayo Tomori Pleased To Win FA Youth Cup With Chelsea
Chelsea youth - teamer Fikayo Tomori was pleased to be part of the squad which won the English FA Youth Cup on Monday after defeating Manchester City 5 -2 on aggregate.

The central defender reserved special praise for The Blues supporters who came to Stamford Bride to cheer the team to victory.

CHAMPIONE CHAMPIONE OLE OLE OLE💙💙💙. YOUTH CUP CHAMPIONS AGAIN⚽️⚽️⚽️.

Also a big thank you to the fans who came to the bridge today! It was a pleasure😊. Thank you for all the messages,”Fikayo Tomori tweeted.

Born in Calgary, the defensive all - rounder is eligible to represent Nigeria, Canada and England at senior level.

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

TAIWO QUITS BURSASPOR.

 Official : Taye Taiwo And Bursaspor Go Their Separate Ways
With a brief statement on its official website, Bursaspor has cleared the air regarding one of the worst kept secrets at the club involving Taye Taiwo.

The Turkish Super Lig club has announced that it has mutually terminated the agreement binding the team with the Nigeria international left - back.

Taye Taiwo joined the Green Crocodiles on a three - year deal in the summer of 2013 on a free transfer from AC Milan.

But the experienced defender has not played an official game for Bursaspor since the start of the season, and would later resurface in Turkey in January to test with Legia Warsaw.

The former Gabros and Lobi Stars fullback has appeared for clubs in France, Italy, Ukraine and England apart from his stint with Bursaspor.

Photo Credit : legia.com

Oscar available for Chelsea

Oscar has recovered from a blow to the head and will be available for Chelsea's trip to Leicester, manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
The Brazilian attacker was withdrawn from Sunday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal and taken straight to hospital with possible concussion after a heavy collision with goalkeeper David Ospina.
Mourinho told Sky Sports after the game that they had been 'scared' for the 23-year-old and he would undergo a series of scans, but he was discharged from hospital and slept at home on Sunday night.
The Blues boss confirmed on Monday: "Oscar left the hospital and stayed at home last night. He should be here today. Everybody will travel to Leicester.
“I really don’t know if he will definitely play. His face was swelling and we did not want to go for any risk [in the second half against Arsenal].
“I know that for me the most important thing is that last night he was not in hospital [overnight], he went to his house and slept at home.”
Mourinho could not confirm whether striker Diego Costa would be fit to return at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday night however. The 26-year-old has missed the last three matches with a recurring hamstring problem.
Mourinho said: “I have to think about if it deserves a gamble or we wait a few more days to be really sure.
“If he was playing without an injury history I would play him tomorrow, but because he is a player with injury history I have to think about it."
Chelsea face a Leicester side on an upsurge in form, having lifted themselves out of the bottom-three for the first since November with a fourth straight victory on Saturday.
And Mourinho has admitted his options remain limited if Costa is not fit, insisting he will not call on the club's youth players, who contest the second leg of their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City, which they lead 3-1, on Monday night.
"Our squad isn't big enough to make many changes. We will leave the young players here to play the Youth Cup final," he said.

Mourinho defends Chelsea record

Jose Mourinho has questioned those who value style over substance after attacking those who brand Premier League champions-elect Chelsea "boring".
Jose Mourinho: Says beauty is in performing to get a result


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Arsenal supporters chanted "boring, boring Chelsea" at the end of Sunday's goalless draw at the Emirates which leaves Mourinho's men 10 points clear and within two victories of the title.
As he had on Sunday, Mourinho railed against the accusation that his side were boring, saying that "cannot be true".
"In any point of analysis in any criteria you can find, we are the best team or the second-best team. As simple as that," the Portuguese said at a media conference to preview Wednesday night's match against Leicester.
"What is that? Style and flair? The way people now analyse style and flair is to take the goals out of the pitch.
"It's the football they play on the moon, and the surface is not good. Some holes. But no goals.
"It looks like the goals are not there. Sometimes you speak about 'boring' and you consider boring a team that scores as many goals as we do, but you don't consider boring a team that has 70 per cent of the ball possession and cannot win the game. It's quite a big contradiction.
"I ask myself if in the future, when I am a granddad and I am at home with my grandsons, and maybe the future of football is a beautiful green grass carpet without goals.
"Football started a few centuries ago and the objective was one, but now it looks like the objective is another one.
"For me, I am very simple in my analysis. Football is about putting the ball in the net of your opponent and stopping your opponent.
"When football becomes without goals, you will say it's boring. You will say bring the goals back."
For Mourinho, beauty is in performing to get a result.
"The beautiful game is to go to every game and know exactly the way you have to play and what you have to do," he said.
"(At Arsenal) we were brilliant. Brilliant. A game where we were brilliant from the first minute."
It has long been suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to watch a side akin to Barcelona of a few years ago, when Lionel Messi starred with Xavi and Andres Iniesta with a style known as tiki-taka.
Yet so happy was the Russian billionaire with Chelsea's display at the Emirates Stadium that he embraced the players afterwards as Chelsea neared a first Premier League title in five years.
"I saw him hugging the players in the dressing room after the game," Mourinho said.
"I think he's happy and I think every Chelsea fan is happy if we win the title.
"If we win the title, we have a fantastic Premier League with everything."
The Blues boss immediately after Sunday's draw criticised Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for not trying to win the game and for the Gunners' 11-year wait for the title.
Put to him on Monday that Arsenal fans felt Chelsea were boring, Mourinho said: "I'm not sure of that.
"I met an Arsenal fan this morning, a gentleman that lives almost next door to me, an Arsenal fan for more than 50 years and he congratulated me for my press conference, saying that I was spot-on."

Kelechi Iheanacho Scores First Official Goal For Manchester City
 
Kelechi Iheanacho Scores First Official Goal For Manchester City
Former Golden Eaglets star Kelechi Iheanacho celebrated his return to action by scoring his maiden goal for Manchester City as their Under 18 side lost 2 - 1 to Chelsea in the second leg of the FA Youth Cup on Monday night.

Having lost the first leg 3 - 1, The Citizens got off to a dream start when Iheanacho converted Aaron Nemane’s cross from the byline in the fifth minute.

Their lead didn
’t last long though, with Brown leveling matters for the Chelsea under 18s in the 19th minute.

On 22 minutes, Kelechi Iheanacho would have restored City
’s one - goal advantage on the night, only for Collins to make a fine save.

And three minutes later, the Nigerian tested the goalkeeper again but his shot was easily saved by the outstanding Collins.

The game
’s final goal was scored by Tammy Abraham immediately after the restart, ending the tie as a contest.

Twenty minutes from time, Kelechi Iheanacho was subbed off for Isaac Buckley-Ricketts .

Jose: Cesc omission 'strange'

Cesc Fabregas: Left out of PFA Team



The Spaniard has claimed a phenomenal 16 assists in the Premier League this season and yet lost out on a central midfield place to Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.
Fabregas' omission is probably explained by his post-Christmas lull in form, with his fellow footballers casting their votes in February and March.
Six Chelsea players featured in the XI but there was no place for Thibault Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, Fabregas, Willian or Oscar.
Asked if there should have been more than six Chelsea players in the best XI, he replied: "Yes. All of them. I think so. But I know that this is a Chelsea manager speaking and obviously I respect every one of the players that were in that team. And especially everyone that chooses. The players from the other teams have the right to choose.
"Great players were in that team and great players outside that team. This season Fabregas is doing the number of assists, the quality of his game and not to be there is a bit strange.
"I think that team wouldn't win the Premier League. It's a team without any

Monday, 27 April 2015

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard ‘very happy’ to be named PFA Player of the Year


Eden Hazard with the PFA Player of the Year trophy following a ceremony in central London on Sunday
Eden Hazard with the PFA Player of the Year trophy following a ceremony in central London on Sunday. Photograph: Barrington Coombs/PA
Eden Hazard has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year for 2014-15, recognising a season of performances that have helped bring Chelsea to the verge of the Premier League title.
The 24-year-old, who won the young player of the year award last year and has built on that achievement with some impeccable displays this time around, took the prize ahead of second-placed Harry Kane and third-placed David de Gea. A few hours before the ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, Hazard had made his 33rd league start in as many games at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, where his side secured a draw that took them 10 points clear at the top with five games left.
“I’m very happy,” said Hazard. “One day I want to be the best and what I did this season is play very well, Chelsea played very well. I don’t know if I deserve to win but it is good for me.
“It is good, it is better to be voted by the players – they know everything about football. This is good. I’m very happy.”
Hazard, a Belgium international, arrived at Stamford Bridge from Ligue 1 side Lille in June 2012 as a much-heralded wunderkind and has matured into one of the world’s best attacking players. He has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season and was praised by his manager Jose Mourinho last week as “A fantastic boy. A golden boy.”
“I continue like I did last season – I try to be the same,” added Hazard. “I try to score more goals than last season [when he scored 17]. Personally I have played a good season, I have been there in the big games and I scored a lot of important goals, this is why I’m better this season.
“Jose [Mourinho] lets me play, we talk together sometimes and when I’m on the pitch I know what I have to do – this is most important. We are almost there to win the league.”
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The young player of the year award was won by Kane, ahead of Hazard and Philippe Coutinho. It came as little surprise after a season in which the 21-year-old striker has scored 30 goals for Tottenham Hotspur – 20 of them in the Premier League. He described his campaign as “unreal”.
Kane, who also scored on his England debut in March within 79 seconds of entering the pitch against Lithuania, had been named alongside Hazard in the PFA Team of the Year earlier on Sunday. Five other Chelsea players also made the XI and were joined by De Gea, Ryan Bertrand, Coutinho and Alexis Sanchez.
Ji So-yun made it a clean sweep for Chelsea in the senior awards, being named PFA women’s player of the year. The South Korean midfielder has been instrumental for the current Women’s Super League leaders since joining the club last year. Leah Williamson, the 18-year-old Arsenal midfielder and England Under-23 international, took the women’s young player of the year title.
There was also acknowledgement for two long-term servants to the men’s game who will both leave the Premier League for Major League Soccer this summer. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard shared the PFA Merit Award – with Lampard, who partnered Gerrard in the England midfield for a decade, saying: “It is a great honour to be alongside a player who himself has done so much for the game. For the two of us to get it, it is a nice send-off and a nice ending for me.”
Arsenal in for Geoffrey Kondogbia, Manchester City want Roberto Firmino, Hugo Lloris to United if De Gea leaves...

Arsenal are given a reduced price for William Carvalho, West Ham make Moyes first choice, Chelsea in for Imbula...
ARSENAL IN FOR KONDOGBIA
If Arsenal supporters were going to choose one position in which to strengthen this summer, a defensive midfielder would be top of the list, quickly followed by a new goalkeeper. We've had rumours regarding Morgan Schneiderlin, Sami Khedira, Ilkay Gundogan, Nabil Fekir, Luiz Gustavo, Lars Bender, William Carvalho, Giannelli Imbula, Maxime Gonalons, Yohan Cabaye, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Marcelo Brozovic, Christoph Kramer and James McCarthy. There's a few options, that's for sure.

The final name to add to that list is Geoffrey Kondogbia, the France midfielder who was part of the Monaco side that dumped Arsenal out of the Champions League. The Daily Star believes that Arsenal will fight Real Madrid for a player only signed from Sevilla in August 2013.

Kondgobia is still just 22 and has been touted for greatness alongside Paul Pogba in France's central midfield. He has three international caps, making his debut against Belgium in the same month that he moved to Monaco.

Confession time: I giggle thinking about a team including Kondogbia, Pogba, N'Zogbia and Drogba. Can we make it happen please?


CITY WANT FIRMINO?

Manchester City have made a move for 23-year-old Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino, the Brazilian midfielder who has been tearing it up in the Bundesliga for the last few years since joining from Figueirense in 2011.

Firmino came close to moving to Borussia Dortmund a year ago, but is now the subject of fluttered eyelashes from a fair few of Europe's elite clubs. His transfer fee is expected to be around £20m, which is a bloody steal for a player with 34 goals in his last 68 Bundesliga games. Basically he's scoring at a striker's rate from midfield.

City's biggest issue is reported interest from Bayern Munich. Firmino is expected to prefer a move within Germany, and there is little doubt that Bayern would be a bigger draw than City for a young, hungry Bundesliga player.

So will City get him? Firmino.


LLORIS IN IF DE GEA LEAVES

It's the predictable set of events, really. David de Gea has never expressed an interest in leaving Manchester United, but silence is not golden at Old Trafford. Whilst De Gea's contract ticks down, Real Madrid must be confident in landing the goalkeeper this summer. De Gea has been offered around £200,000 a week to stay at the club.

There is no doubt that United will be sad to see De Gea leave, but the Daily Mirror reports that Hugo Lloris has already been lined up as his replacement. That seems a great deal more likely than Asmir Begovic, the other name linked with the club.

The Mirror also claims that De Gea would leave for a fee of over £20m, whilst Lloris would also be available for around £22m. The Frenchman has made it clear that he would like Champions League football.


AND THE REST

Mats Hummels' Manchester United move is in doubt because of Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund exit... Southampton have set their sights on £8million-rated Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes... West Brom manager Tony Pulis wants to sign 28-year-old Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy... Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew plans to approach his former club Newcastle United over Senegal striker Papiss Cisse, 29... Fulham starlet Patrick Roberts is on Manchester City's radar... Liverpool defender Kolo Toure is set to join MLS side New York Red Bulls... Southampton are planning a summer swoop for Chelsea starlet Patrick Bamford... Liverpool have resurrected their interest in Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos... Southampton are planning a summer swoop for Chelsea starlet Patrick Bamford... Arsene Wenger has been buoyed by news that Arsenal target Mattia Destro is to quit Roma... Southampton have joined Arsenal and Manchester United in the hunt for tough-tackling Dynamo Kiev defender Alexsandar Dragovic... Swansea boss Garry Monk is ready to snap up Alexandru Maxim from Stuttgart in a £5million deal... Derby want to buy Cardiff keeper David Marshall in a bold summer swoop... Wigan boss Gary Caldwell is keen on Bradford striker Billy Clarke.

Mourinho: Arsenal drought boring

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho laughed off the Arsenal crowd's "boring" jibes by reminding the Gunners of their wait for the Premier League title as his side closed in on the trophy.
Jose Mourinho: Title within reachUpgrade in minutes or watch with a NOW TV Day Pass.
The Blues need six more points to be crowned Premier League champions for the first time in five years, but were jeered in the goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium for a stubborn performance which frustrated Arsenal, who last won the title in 2003-04.
"You know, I think boring is 10 years without a title. That's very boring," Mourinho said.
"You support the club and you're waiting, waiting, waiting for so many years without a Premier League title, so that's very boring.
"But maybe they were not singing to us. Maybe, when you want to win a game and you're at home and you take your number nine (Olivier Giroud) off, maybe the home fans want more.
"Maybe they want to play Giroud and (Danny) Welbeck together up front to try to win the game."
The goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium means Chelsea can claim a fourth Premier League crown – their first in five years – with victories over Leicester and Crystal Palace in their next two games.
And Mourinho believes his side, who were led by the talismanic John Terry, are well poised to go on and seal the title after an excellent defensive display kept the league’s form team at bay.
“My team performed very, very well against a good team,” he told Sky Sports. “Arsenal had nothing to lose and everything to win. They knew their position in second was safe after Manchester United’s defeat.
“The team was very compact and we went to the game plan. The game was under control we played really well in possession. Defensively we played really well as well.
“I was telling John [Terry] in the dressing room out of all the performances he’s given me in six years that was the best performance I’ve ever seen from a defensive point of view.
“His defensive performance was absolutely amazing.
“We are in a countdown now. The team is really confident and playing extremely well so we know the title is in our hands.
“We have a distance of 10 points between second and third and there are only 15 points to play for so we are confident.”
Chelsea had three penalty claims turned down at the Emirates Stadium by referee Michael Oliver.
Despite this, Mourinho declined to comment on the referee’s display, focusing instead on his side’s performance.
“I don’t comment. I prefer to forget the penalties and focus on the overall performance,” he added.
“The game was a difficult game, it was fast it had danger in both ends and I think Oliver and his assistants had a good performance, forgetting the penalty appeals.
“If John Terry made a mistake, his performance would still be amazing despite the mistake. And the referee had a very good performance with a couple of mistakes.”
Nigeria international Odion Ighalo was elated following Watford’s promotion to the Premier League after eight years of playing in the second - tier.

With one game to spare, The Hornets clinched promotion to the top flight after Norwich City and Middlesbrough failed to get the desired result against Rotherham and Fulham respectively.

“Thank you Jesus because at last it all ended in praise,” said Odion Ighalo on Twitter.

“They wrote us off from the first day but with God all things are possible. ”

A summer arrival from Udinese, Odion Ighalo has appeared 34 times in the Championship, scoring 20 goals.

Scotland international Ikechi Anya and Uche Ikpeazu are the other players of Nigerian descent on the books of Watford.

Asisat Oshoala Celebrates Nomination For Women Footballer of the Year Award By Scoring Against Manchester City
Published: April 26, 2015
Asisat Oshoala Celebrates Nomination For Women Footballer of the Year Award By Scoring Against Manchester City
Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala has been nominated for the maiden BBC Womens Footballer of the Year Award.

The Liverpool striker has been shortlisted alongside four other players - Veronica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt), Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg), Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC) and Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard).

The award will be voted on by fans at the  BBC website here and the use of SMS text messaging.

The winner of the accolade will be announced on BBC World Service on Tuesday May 26.

Asisat Oshoala is the current African Womens Footballer of the Year and African Womens Youth Player of the Year.

The 20 - year - old has scored 2 goals in 4 appearances in the Super League, including her 10th minute strike against Manchester City on Sunday.

Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com

Henry: Arsenal will never win the league with Giroud and Ozil

img
Thierry Henry has launched a scathing attack on the quality of the Arsenal team, saying they will never win the league with Olivier Giroud as their main striker and record-signing Mesut Ozil needs to do more in big games.

Henry said his former side needed to buy four players in the summer to be competitive.

In an unusually unspoken attack on the side led by his former manager Arsene Wenger, Henry used their 0-0 draw against Chelsea as an example of where they are falling short.

He contrasted the record of Ozil with the number of assists former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has made for Chelsea this season and also said the Gunners need to sort out their injury problems.

Henry said on Sky Sports: "I think they need to buy four players - they need that spine. They need a goalkeeper, they still need a centre-back, they still need a holding midfielder and, I'm afraid, they need a top, top quality striker to win this league again.

"You had the best example with Chelsea here today. They were struggling last season to win the league. They went on to buy Cortouis, Matic, Cesc and Costa.

"For me, that speaks volumes andy you saw it today - a team didn't and a team did, and they are about to win the league again.

"He [Wenger] has to do it. You need to have this competitive thing within the group - to win the league, that has to happen."

Henry also hit out at the contribution of £42.5million midfielder Mesut Ozil.

He said: "Players need to perform, also. I will single out Mesut Ozil. Against a top four team, that was his eighth game today - zero goals and two assists.

"That is not enough. Overall, since he has been at Arsenal, he has 14 assists. You look at Cesc Fabregas, he has 16 assists in one season. Players at one point need to perform."

On Giroud, Henry said: "I think Giroud is doing extremely well. But can you win the league with him? I wouldn't think so.

"He does a job, and he does it ever so well, but you can't win the league.

"Arsenal were at the top of the league last season, but everyone was saying they are not going win the league.

"If I'm a player there, I would be: 'Hang on a minute, I'm at the top of the league right now.' But people were still saying it. Players need to step their game up."

Friday, 24 April 2015

Eddy Onazi Eyes Win Against Chievo
Eddy Onazi has opined that Lazio will strengthen their chances of finishing in the top three and qualifying for the Champions League if they defeat Chievo Verona on Sunday.

With seven games left to play in the Italian Serie A, The Biancocelesti sit second on the table, level on 58 points with bitter rivals Roma, who have an inferior goal difference.

“The coach always tells us that you have to play all the games as a final, if you want to become a champion. 

“So we have to play them all very well if we want to get to the Champions League.  For me there is not an easy team in Serie A, just see how Juventus lost against Parma. 

“All games are against teams, neither large nor small.  So Sunday we must win with anger and determination, by force. ” says Eddy Onazi to Lazio Style Radio.

The Nigeria international has recorded 14 appearances in the Serie A since the start

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

IF MESSI IS THE BEST, NEYMAR IS THE FUTURE BEST..

barca psg
Neymar was the star of the show as Barcelon picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over French giants Paris Saint Germain to qualify for the semifinals of the UEFA champions league with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win.
Neymar was on target in the 14th minute to give Barcelona the lead but the goal was all about the superb Messi-like footwork displayed by captain, Adreas Iniesta not for the first time in his career as he danced past three defenders before kocking a delightful pass into the path of Neymar who rounded Sirigu and tapped home into an empty net. 20 minutes later, Neymar struck again, nodding in Dani Alvez’s cross at the far post to make it 2-0. Both team seemed to be in no particular hurry in the second half and Barcelona cruised along to yet another Semifinal berth in the UEFA champions league.
Barcelona are currently still on course to win a treble this season and their performances seem to be getting better every week.

ALIANZ THE ROAST...


bayern porto
Following a disastrous 3-1 loss at the Estadio Do Dragao in Portugal 6 days ago, many suggested Bayern Munich’s chances of making it to their fourth straight UEFA Champions League semifinals were very slim but 22 minutes into the second leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern were already ahead in the tie and the German Champions would go on to win the game 6-1 to qualify for the semifinal for the fourth time in as many years.
Thiago put the German side ahead in the 14th minute with a sublime header after Bernat crossed the ball in from the left wing. Eight minutes later, Bayern took control of the tie on away goals as Jerome Boateng was on hand to nod the ball in after Holger Badstuber had directed a header his was following a cross into the box. Porto were simply no match for Bayern were on a different level tonight with their smooth passage of play. 5 minutes later, another header, this time from Robert Lewandowski made it 3-0 on the night and suddenly Bayern were ahead 4-3 in the tie. Muller not wanting to be left out fired a shot from distance in the 36th minute. His shot took a wicked deflection of Martins Indi and beat the Porto goalkeeper to make it 4-0. Lewandowski made it 5-0 in the 40th minute with a sublime finish after he was set up by Muller. The second half was played at a much slower pace and Martinez was allowed to head the ball in from close range by the Bayern in the 73rd minute, giving the Portuguese side a lifeline but in the 88th minute, Bayern Munich had the last word via Alonso who curled in a free after Marcano had been sent off.
Guardiola would particularly be happy with the result as he marked his 100th game in charge of the Bravarians in style.

 IS KESHI AGAIN....

sstephen keshi
Stephen Keshi has been appointed as Nigeria coach again after signing a two-year contract on Tuesday.
“It’s a fresh start. We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong,” Keshi told BBC Sport.
“As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.
“To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us, this is not Stephen Keshi’s team but our national team.”

Elderson Echiejile, Angelo Ogbonna Named To Provisional Roster For Monaco Versus Juventus

Elderson Echiejile, Angelo Ogbonna Named To Provisional Roster For Monaco Versus Juventus
Monaco coach, Leonardo Jardim, has announced his provisional squad for Wednesday evenings Champions League quarter - final second leg clash against Juventus at Stade Louis II.

Nigeria left - back Elderson Echiejile  is in line to make his fourth appearance in the competition, having been named in the 19 - man roster released on the eve of the encounter.

But he will have to compete with
France international Layvin Kurzawa for a starting berth.

As for Juventus, Italy international of Nigeria descent, Angelo Ogbonna, was among the 23 players that touched down in Nice this evening.

The Bianconeri won the first leg in Turin thanks to Arturo Vidal
s 57th minute goal from the penalty spot.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

FA Youth Cup final report: Man City 1 Chelsea 3-HOW MANY ANGLO-NIGERIANS?

Chelsea Under-18s will take a lead into the second leg next week after an impressive victory in Manchester. In front of 6,421 supporters, the young Blues grabbed the lead after seven minutes when Tammy Abraham fired in an unstoppable strike.
Manchester City were level within two minutes through Isaac Buckley-Ricketts but Abraham then finished acrobatically from close range to put his side back into the lead in the 20th minute. The visitors defended well to hold off a resurgence from City in the second half before adding a third goal late on through Dominic Solanke.


Team news

Under-18s manager Joe Edwards made just one change from the semi-final second-leg victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last month as Charly Musonda replaced Jeremie Boga in the number 10 role. Captain Charlie Colkett and Ruben Sammut comprised the remainder of the midfield trio, with Solanke leading the line up front supported by Izzy Brown and Abraham.
The back five were unchanged as Bradley Collins continued in goal protected by a defence of Fikayo Tomori, Ola Aina, Jake Clarke-Salter and Jay Dasilva.

First half

The players were greeted with fireworks as they walked out on to the field at City’s Academy Stadium and it was a suitably explosive opening to the final as both sides netted inside the first 10 minutes.
It was Chelsea, the Cup holders, who struck first when Abraham blasted in his 35th goal of the season. The forward received Colkett’s clever pass forward on the right, took the ball on his chest and thumped an arrowing drive into the top far corner, leaving goalkeeper Kjetil Haug with no chance.
youth cup final 1st leg 2 031

City grabbed a near instant reply within two minutes as the tricky Brandon Barker slid a perfect pass forward for Buckley-Ricketts. The striker’s caressed low finish nestled into the back of the net inside the far post.
Collins saved brilliantly as Clarke-Salter almost turned Aaron Nename’s low cross past his own goalkeeper, before Brown fired over the bar from 20 yards as the chances continued to come at both ends. A third goal in the game did arrive after 20 minutes and it was Chelsea celebrating once again as a corner from the right paid dividends.
Brown’s header from Colkett’s floated delivery was diverted away from danger but Clarke-Salter nodded the ball back across goal and Abraham scored from close range.
youth cup final 1st leg 4 067

The play moved to more of a midfield battle for the remainder of the half, though Aina did threaten with a rising left-footed effort and Collins gathered comfortably from Manuel Garcia and Barker in the late exchanges of the half.


Second half

The second period was a more even affair as Musonda fired a left-footed shot just wide and then Bersant Celina tested Collins following a neat one-two on the edge of the box. Brown then worked Haug in the City goal with a low drive after a short corner had been worked to fashion a sight at goal, though the keeper gathered routinely.
Clarke-Salter recovered brilliantly to thwart Garcia midway through the second period before substitute Kasey Palmer did well to beat Tosin Adarabioyo only to guide his effort narrowly off-target.
The hosts came closest to levelling with a series of chances in the final 20 minutes of the game. Garcia struck a low effort inches wide following a clever cutback from Barker down the left and then Aaron Nemane made his own chance after beating Clarke-Salter but could only fire wide of the near post.
Kean Bryan was then handed a great chance as he stole possession from Colkett high up the pitch and advanced towards goal, but his curling shot flew wide of Collins’s far post. The hosts were punished for their profligacy as Chelsea doubled their advantage in the tie in the final minutes.
youth cup final 1st leg 3 088

Solanke received a well-weighted pass from Musonda down the right channel and slotted the ball beyond Haug. The goal took his tally to 35 for the season and means he has now scored in every round of this Youth Cup run, handing the Blues a two-goal advantage in the final at the midway point of the tie. There is no ‘away goals’ rule in the FA Youth Cup.
The second leg of the final takes place next Monday 27 April at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are currently available to purchase online (maximum of 10 per person), priced at £5 for adults and £3 for seniors/juniors
Chelsea Bradley Collins; Ola Aina, Fikayo Tomori, Jake Clarke-Salter, Jay Dasilva; Ruben Sammut, Charly Musonda (Kyle Scott 90), Charlie Colkett (c); Tammy Abraham (Kasey Palmer 67), Dominic Solanke, Izzy Brown (Jeremie Boga 90+2)
Unused subs Jared Thompson, Josh Grant
Scorers Abraham 7, 20; Solanke 87
Manchester City Kjetil Haug, Pablo Maffeo, Cameron Humphreys-Grant, Tosin Adarabioyo (c), Angelino, Kean Bryan, Aaron Nemane, Manuel Garcia (Javairo Dilrosun 86), Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, Bersant Celina, Brandon Barker
Unused subs Sam Tattum, Charlie Albinson, Sadoo Diallo, Paolo Fernandes
Scorer Buckley-Ricketts 9
Attendance 6421
By Sam Poplett
Pictures courtesy of Mark Sandom

Danny Jordaan slams xenophobic attacks

But read through some of the reactions from South Africans


SAFA has condemned in the strongest terms the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals being perpetrated by what it called criminal elements.
“What is happening in certain parts of the country whereby fellow Africans are being subjected to all sorts of hate and abuse is quite unacceptable,” SAFA president Danny Jordaan says.
“This is not what the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy was all about. When we hosted the 2010 showpiece, it was an African World Cup, to unite the continent, speak and relate as a united family.
“What is happening now in some parts of the country is quite the opposite. It is like undoing all the good work and legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is part of this great continent and we should not alienate ourselves with these regrettable and barbaric actions.”
Jordaan says after years of isolation, CAF has played a critical role in South Africa being readmitted into the FIFA family.
“CAF and the entire continent were at the forefront of telling the world that apartheid had no place in the sport and that unless it was abolished, South Africa should remain isolated. If it was not for them, it could probably have taken many more years for this country to enjoy the fruits of the abolition of apartheid.
“So instead of embracing our brothers from across the continent as part of us, we are making them feel unwelcome. This is unfortunate and unacceptable. It must stop. Everyone must say no to xenophobia (where fellow Africans are being attacked) because it is some sort of apartheid in reverse. It has no place in modern society.”
South African national teams and clubs participate in various competitions on the continent and the SAFA President warned those who promote xenophobia that they risk putting our teams in a very risky position when they play away from home.
“It is like saying to Africa it is us versus you. Such actions only help to isolate us from the rest of the continent. It goes against the spirit of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“We as SAFA are saying these barbaric actions must end; and end now. We fought against apartheid because it segregated society and xenophobia has the same apartheid tendencies.”
Dr Jordaan concluded by saying that during the fight against apartheid, most of our freedom fighters sought refuge across the continent and around the world.
“As a country we should never forget where we come from. During the days of the struggle, who took us in and accommodated us? Why are we today turning against the very same people who were vital in the fight against apartheid?
“Our leaders fled to Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Angola, among other countries and were treated well. We are humans before we are South Africans, and that must be in the forefront of our existence.”
Article by: SAFA Media
118 comments
Livefyre
 
OsaMemphisJoseph
Now I clearly understand why they say the average south African is xenophobic. Now do you all have to resolve to violence, murdering your fellow Africans to solve the problems? How about deportations of illegal immigrants? Millions of Africans are living illegally in western countries and we haven't heard or see them being killed, mobbed or robbed of their belongings.
It's a shame that you guys have to resolve to this violence because the only thing you know is violence.
What happened to dialogue?
What happened to brotherhood?
This persons you murdered have families just like you.
Funny many of you gave never been out of your borders in all your miserable life. When you finish killing your African brothers you will be awarded Noble peace prize as best murderers.
Congratulations.
Mahamba
 South Africa is against illegal immigrants that earn their living through criminal activities and contributes nothing towards tax...in South Africa that is....
OsaMemphisJoseph
Is that enough reason to take up violence against innocent women and children? How about arresting and prosecuting those found guilty of crime. When did it became the duty of hooligans to administer jungle justice on fellow Africans.
What South Africans are doing now is poking the eye of the hands that feed you.
During the struggle for freedom Nigeria Government spent over 40 million dollars in supporting ANC and that was in the 80s. The same goes to many African countries. For you guys to turn around and start to burn your fellow African Alive is beyond my comprehension.
Just saw a photo of a 2 years old boy that was stoned on his eye. That kid probably will never be able to see again with that eye if he survived the horrible injuries. Is that child selling drugs too?
Just no justification for violence. Jordan is right. Your football clubs and fans could be targeted in other countries especially in the Congo.
Be very very careful about your actions. The world is a global village.
Mahamba
@OsaMemphisJoseph hehehehe...so then since the Nigerian Government bought South Africa for 40 million dollars.... Its every Nigerian' right  to come and live here Illegally and practice crime towards fellow Africans...the elderly, women and children....we are Africans too...you need to stop being xenophobic towards us....enough is enough
OsaMemphisJoseph
I live you in your ignorance. What goes around comes back around. Enjoy your killings you will soon be awarded a prize but remember the whole of Africa is watching with keen interest.
Mahamba
@OsaMemphisJoseph Are you trying to threaten me? bring it on...am not scared of you...enjoy your criminal activities and you will be awarded a prize... This time we are watching you...enough is enough!
Izinja ze game
Where are some of us getting this thing of saying im African before South African. When they have an ID written South African Nationality. Who are we fooling here?
Mahamba
@Izinja ze game I am fed up of illegal foreign criminals earning their living through their criminal activities in South Africa... enough is enough...we are Africans too...why can't they treat us with respect...
Marvie MJ
Jordan awume baba. These people always complain about bad governance in their countries but they have a chance to vote but they don't use it because they are comfortable here. Do we have the capacity to accomodate the whole Africa or we are the only country they can run to or they taking advantage of our wide open borders.
Football Brains
When somebody makes it clear that they don't want you in their home, their space. You gather ur belongings and leave, you don't sit and say "I will fight"..... We have no problems with foreign nationals as long as they are legally documented. if they are here through back roots then that makes them outlaws. as Much as we can preach African brotherhood, please remember we are South Africans before we are Africans and before we can feed and house the foreign outlaws, we need to feed and house our own!
The government, White corporate & Blue Collar criminals (Bosses) are the biggest Xenophobics of them all, They are the reasons of all this... The government's negligent of its people, White corporate's greed and their reluctant to recognise black SA worker as equal beings were the biggest contributors to all this, they accept low wages thus the fast food, Restaurant and Petroleum sectors prefers them because the come here prepared to slave.
In a country with very limited resources and vast internal problems of their own, it is perhaps to soon to house approximately 13 million illegal foreigners which translates to about 25% of the population, the system is feeling the pressure and such happenings has always remained inevitable and for as long as the powers that be ignores the needs of the people who are responsible for the very powers this thing wont go away, it will continue to hang above us like Cancer!
Magaya!
@isaaac I think everyone agrees in condemning the act of violence; does anyone, including yourself Isaaac, condemn criminal activities by foreigners to South Africans? Corrie Saunders (former Heavyweight boxing World Champion), Vuyo Mvoko was mugged by foreigners recently in the glare of TV cameras and amny more. What's your view on that one? Are you here to protect your own folk in a foreign country at all costs? many sporadic cases of killings of locals by foreign nationals with illegal guns still prevail. Is that also "stupid" or "smart". The choice words by yourself too, is a problem, it underscores the very attitude of foreigners when they refer to South Africans.
#FF
Buccelona
It is the people who are living with foreigners that feel that foreigners must go, Jordan & Co know have not experienced (and are not affected) by the behaviour of these foreigners.
osamardihno
I am quite sure that those white suckers and those white bitches are who colonised us are celebrating in their stinking graves seeing an African killing an African and seeing black against black violent, it sucks isn't.


nkanyamba
Stupid,boko harame,kenya varsity are those white killing blacks?civil wars all across africa,our leaders did not go there and act like they are acting here,they should go by luck or by force
Marvie MJ
Mr Jordan I was expecting you to wish Bucs luck in their African safari and comment about refs but you choose to comment on this. Good points but I think now that you have brought this let me remind you these. We are the youngest democracy in Africa, we didn't overcrowd the other countries during apartheid only the exiled comrades were there and they were not for economic reasons, we need to enjoy our democracy before they join us. The foLlowing must be done for justice to prevail. 1. Surrender your position as SAFA president to Kalusha Bwalya. 2. Allow africans to represent bafana. 3. Move to the township and experience the crime these fellows commit and how they make our places look dirty. Until you do that maybe its good you sort Shakes. Not suPporting the attacks though.
Masobode
Before we run to the podium and anounce xenophobia being right or wrong can we start at the begining first....
What is the right nd correct way of entering South Africa?
When people do not follow the correct proccesses what happens to south Africa's infrastructure?
What Hospitals do these people use?
how do they aquire housing?
What activities do they get involved in once they settle into the Country, remember the SABC crew that got mugged by foregners, Lucky Dube killers?
Nigerians selling drugs at the Point road here in Durban, Nigerians taking over Hilbrow, do they wake up every morning and go to work?
Hell no they roaming around whole day doing nothing angithi, how and when do they make a living out of what exactly?
As South African we are no fools that must be very clear nd if there's a South African entering any African country ilegaly nd getting involed in criminal activities they must be sent packing.....that's it
Mahamba
@Masobode we have no secure borders....we are not a country nie...anybody can come here and do as they please....even survive through criminal activities and contribute nothing towards tax....welcome to South Africa
Magaya!
When a South African is beaten up by police for a violent crime, it's no news at all, as soon as the police subject a foreigner to same treatment, it's xenophobia. Why must foreigners hide behind xenophobia each time they commit an offence. If we let this country and hand it over to organized criminals from elsewhere because we fear being called xenophobic, am scared that our children will hear from the history books that we once ruled this country and they were citizens. To all organised formations from outside RSA, i want to hear them condemn crime that's commited by their own, starting with the killing of Terreblanche by the Zimbabwean nationals. I know there are groups like Ghanian Community in SA, Somalis, Nigerians etc; i never hear them come out to react to the extent of criminal activities their own commit, resulting in child-headed familites when parents die as a result of crime. In East London, 2 Tanzanians broke into a house of a pensioner and killed a person; this is brazen thuggery, but these groupings kept quiet, they wait until there's an attack against theirs. If we continue this way, South Africans will panic and act ina ny other manner. I dont condone acts of xenophobia, but in this country, South Africans set alight their own during the height of intolerance; if foreign nationals want to commit crime with impunity, South Africans will act in any manner to defend their own. I hate xenophobia !
#FF
Mahamba
@Magaya! Most are here illegally and are involved in criminal activities...and the media does nothing to report it...enough is enough
osamardihno
With dew respect Mr Jordan, u have seen it all yourself u have been in the world, but didn't ever been there illegally just maybe, you know how tight security is in those countries but compared to here in RSA there is no security at all. Our borders are loop holes, if the so called leadership of this country had done their jobs i am sure none of this has ever been happening, if we had the so called Intelligence always on their duty at all times and should have been see this before happening and dealt with it accordingly. I don't condone this satanic, barbaric behavior, but to make everything clear our heroes and heroines were living camps in those above mentioned countries, they were not manufacturing any drugs for God sake, they were not criminals, they have no businesses there. so please the so called leaders stop feeding us bull dust.

Even in USA u can not come in and get out as u pleases its  a country with laws and borders that are being looked after unlike here in RSA where the government is always nasty and always come second best if not worst in each an every situation facing this country its either poverty or crime. if u look at who kills L. Dube, who rob the SABC crew, that show that this country is now a ticking bomb about to explode in no time from now the sooner the so called leadership and intelligence stand up and act the better.

In Ingwavuma where i come from people from SD and Mozambique come in here as they please No one in the borders, some of them even come here to get grant and go back to their respective countries NOT that some government officials don't know about they do know about it all but because some of them gain  so NO can act but they turn a blind eye on it all the time.

But No where in the world riot and violent has ever solve anything,  I SAY DOWN WITH XENOPHOBIA AND AFRO-PHOBIA DOWN.

Magaya!
I recall back then when Dr Buthelezi appeared on the Telly and said." the influx of our foreign nationals is reaching alarming proportions; we can't scramble for our scarce resources with them at this stage...let's first focus on internal issues and sort them". He meant that there has to be controls and tight emmigration laws in the country; he clashed with his DG on this. I hear that we need forums to debate this; who is coordinating that debate? Who cares to take note of the communities that are under siege from the ills of some rogue foreign nationals; cases of cash-in transit heists involving them; drugs in our streets, resulting to our youngsters raping gogos and babies. While the world is reacting to the xenophobic attacks, do they care about what the Zimbabwean nationals did to Vuyo Mvoko live on TV the other evening? I hate xenophobia, as i hate crime commited by a foregner in my land; if yu touch them you are xenophobic.
#FF
Football Brains
Wena Mr Jorda, Go to Zimambwe and ask to see Mugabe.... anyway,

U can welcome them as ur brothers we don't care but before you and your friends in power feeds, house and protect them, do such to ur own people....


Dooba Mark IV
Its natural to say xenophobia this, xenophobia that, what about the solutions to the problems, since 2008?
People who say xenophobia this or that don't live with the many of the illegal foreign nationals
So they don't know the ins and out or socio-pilitics of life with them
So how can they know the solutions to the problem they dont know?
They are not even literate enough to avoid brushing everyone with the same paint colour...
In Europe a French man is first french before he can see himself as European or even white
Same goes for an English man, German, etc.
But in Africa, even Pakistanis are African i.e. they say its Afrophobia even when ssome of the victims are Pakistani
So this Pan-African mentality is just hogwash; before i am African, i am first South African,
Let's not pretend Africa  does not have borders... that is why the Americans say they going to Africa when they going to Nigeria, they never say I am going to Europe when they go to germany or France...

Football Brains
@Dooba Mark IV  Nnete fela! The authory are actually the xenophic ones not the people on the ground!

The real Xenophobia is ignoring the needs and outcry of the people by the Government!

Mahamba
@Football Brains @Dooba Mark IV we have had enough...qha
Football Brains
@Mahamba @Football Brains @Dooba Mark IV  White Corporate is equally responsible for this, infact they happy we treating each other like this also are scared it could gain momentum and come to them. they refuse to accept us as equal being because we demamd to be treated with respect and equality in the work place, they go and hire this illegal aliens because they accept the inferior status with regard to a white man thus ur Pick,n pay, shoprite, Engene, BP, Spur, McD steers and all this other retail and fast food franchise are full of them. they presence compromise our bargaining position in the cooperate world cuz they are the cheaper alternatives
Streetz 85
During apartheid our fellow compatriots they went to other countries on a mission and purpose; that include, inter alia, to join the military army of MK so that they could come  back to the country and fight against apartheid..
others like OR Tambo they went out to seek the support from other countries and engage in fight against apartheid...... realizing that to win a war does not only require military but intelligence, so others they began to study with various institutions in those countries .... that's just a briefing

So now let's draw comparisons... Larger percentages of foreigners in our country they are illegal.. they are here not on a mission or purpose of forming a strong military army to fight battles against rebel groups (such as Boko Haram), or to study and go back home to implement their knowledge in order to bring about change in their respective countries,  But they are here for greener pastures, to smuggle drugs into our own country, to establish illegal businesses such as selling pirated cds, fraudulence activities, to murder and rob other people knowing very well that the police would struggle to identify them because they don't have authentic Identity Documents, passports, etc all they have are fraudulent and fake, etc...


So Jordan and other fat cats we know that it is not the lives of this foreigners you really concern about BUT you are scared to loose your businesses with foreign investors that's it....

Those that resides in the shacks and township for example, have nothing to loose...otherwise they are hungry, starving, poor, anyway....

We know that the only language and communication we speak when we are sick and tired of been sick and tired in this country is violence.... maybe we inherited that language from apartheid
Football Brains
@Streetz 85  Thank you Morena well said! Do you know that in the townships like Diepsloot they own half of Government RDP house yet they are illegal and they did that through brown envelopes... they terrorise many streets in many countries and this fat cat and all those looking for fame and popularity to sell CD's (aRTIST) WILL come here with their stupid anti Xenophia remarks because they choose to ignore the real problem
Mahamba
@Football Brains @Streetz 85 we are a lost country....your South African ID is worth nothing...the Government and the media listerns to foreigners... They only need us for votes...then they bin us like used condoms once in power....
Magaya!
@Streetz 85 This is the kind of debate that government wants; thanks for these valuable points, sir. Question is, who's listening to these concerns? Who is ready to call to a place in all provinces, locals and foreigners for a peace debate and implement the resolutions? Home Affairs should have started long ago to flush out allillegal immigrants or request a re-entry by all foreign nationals, seeing that South Africans are uncomfortable with the new culture of drugs, smash and grabs etc...We have our own crime that we are supposed to deal with; the crime that's commited by forigners here, goes into the stats of SA as an unsafe country, not to their own countries. I hear King Zwelithini when he said, "asike sizonwaye izintwala zethu", meaning, we have enough of our own problems. These overidning sympathy with no logical thinking of the causal factors shall never change anything because we not confronting real issues. The forigners are organised where they live and start to behave in a particular manner, undermining the locals, simple things like intolerant driving and not paying attention to rules of the road. If you touch or talk to them, you are xenophobic. No !
#FF
Football Brains
it is easy for a blue collar criminal like Jordan or anyone to come out from his Fancy Mansion of a fancy suburb and judge those people for their actions! If you've never been or stayed in those communities where this acts are happening, I strongly believe u have no voice because u do not resides with ur so called African brothers and as a matter of fact they cant even get to you without going through security but u come out and urge somebody to let them close? do you know their impacts in the townships wena Mr Jordan? walk the streets of Diepsloot, Zanspruit, Kyasands and even Tembisa in the dark and u will see flames.....

If any of u people are really about African Unity then open ur boom gates because the park in front of ur house can be great for some skwatta invasion

What a bunch of hypocrites we have in leadership! when u enter Alexa, tracker reminds u that u entering a high risk zone, now tell me that is not segregation wena Jordan. don't come hear and patronise us! house them urself.

yes Killing and burning souls is inhuman and no body has to go through that but their outcry as a community is also Genuine and for as long as the powers that be ignore that this things will never end!
Streetz 85
@Football Brains  I echo your sentiments 100% my compatriot... they cant even allow RDP house and shacks 10 kilometers near their fancy suburbs...
Football Brains
@Streetz 85 @Football Brains  exactly and they still got the balls to talk unity! if I was to enter Dainfern now, the foreign security personnel at the gate will ask for my ID and I need to state the reason for my presence there because I am a secuiryt risk to the rich and if the rich can be allowed toi believe that the people of Diepsloot, Alex, tembisa, Soweto, Spruit, Mama, Phelindaba etc are a threat and risk to them then why cant the people from those communities be allowed to identify who is a threat and risk and if they feel that foreigners are exactly that then they should be removed from their communities just like they will have security drag our ass of their complex
Khosikayi1
@Streetz 85 @Football Brains ukhuluma udoti I stay in Soweto born and bread eZola if you care to know wena bhari dini - don't lie here you local boys are biggerst thugs not outsiders especial ekasi course you smoke drugs and nyaope and when you run out of money to feed you idiotic behavior you turn to crime , while this foreigner's making money - you are the ones promoted it by taking our cell phones to Nigerian to unblock it - in all you've  created all this freedom for this nonsense of crime to happen and now you want to blame good foreigners ubheda kami sidom ndini??? you created this problem now you want to blame outsider for your action - let me tell you boy am probably far older than what I see from youth nowadays its arrogance and laziness abantu enjoys drinking and have respect for elders... so am still saying xenophobia wont help anyone.
Streetz 85
@Khosikayi1 @Streetz 85 @Football Brains  suka baba... don't say xenophobia wont help anyone.... phela wena u don't need help.. it will help those who are helpless anyway... or may o jola le makwerekwere bra yam'?
Khosikayi1
@Streetz 85 @Khosikayi1 @Football Brains kuyasho ukuthi ngikhuluma nengane la!
Streetz 85
@Khosikayi1 @Streetz 85 @Football Brains  Believe me I'm not young..  I'm just a patriotic concerned citizen .. I love my country so much that my heart bleeds to see people come here and do as they please instead of been grateful .. Our brothers and sister went excel and other countries but they never started to engage in criminal activities with thugs of those countries.. they behaved themselves in those countries knowing very well that they are there for a specific period to accomplish their mission (which is to get military trainings, study and come back to fight apartheid and reclaim our country) but this foreigners are here to mess up what we fought for 
Jamjamy
@Khosikayi1
I agree you with you Khosi that the juniors from townships are addicted to Nyaope which make them run out of cash and steal goods from their homes and neighbours, to make these illegal foreigners richer. Now there is a jealous to richer foreigners which has cause this so called xenophobic attach

Mahamba
@Jamjamy @Khosikayi1 Criminal foreign drug lords are supplying our vulnerable youth with poison...nyaope... Enough is enough guys...stand up and and be men...let's protect our future and our children...
Football Brains
@Khosikayi1 @Streetz 85 @Football Brains  But u don't have o insult because here we are discussing and a different opinion doesn't mean we are at war.... anyway wena as clever as you claim! have u ever wondered where they get the Nyaope from?

They have taken over restaurants and petrol stations, not because South Africans are lazy but because we demand to be paid a faily living wage not surviving wage and bona anything is okay therefore the Blue Collar criminals (White corporate) prefers them because they enjoy be slaves
Mahamba
@Football Brains most stolen cars in South Africa ends up in Mozambique and Zimbabwe...the media won't mention this...then touch a foreigner...its on the front page of every news paper
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