Sweet Little Pete

Lets hope he can turn the tide, by the looks of this one I'm not convinced.

How do you know whether to give a coach time, to let his beliefs sink into his team so to speak.

We've all heard how badly Sir Alex Ferguson did starting off. What if Man United had sacked him then after the wheels came off the first time.

I am a true believer in aura, someone either posses' the leadership gene or not. I have seen countless teams being led or managed by people who don't have it. I'm not sure where or what to pin it as but, some guys have it, some don't. Unfortunately the moment PDV stepped into the limelight with that cracking pink tie that his nephew asked him to wear he was doomed in my eyes. I don't care if the Pope asked me to wear that tie, sorry boet it ain't happening. His voice mingled with those cute one liners only a child uses had me writhing in agony at what other nations perceived of us. Here we are the World Champs and we present to the world this cute dwarf like fellow wearing a pink tie. I'm sorry but if I was SA Rugby I would have pulled the tie from his neck. I don't think a Major Corporation would announce their new CEO wearing one of those guys. Imagine the shareholders thoughts-sell sell sell...

Well by the time Monday comes around you will know the result of Saturdays game-yes obviously. I am not too positive about things. Already I've heard about tired players.( What ? we've played three more games than New Zealand and we rested before the World Cup. So where does that shit come from. ) But at the end of the day what matters is that we put more points on the board than the other team. Don't give me stories about how we going to play. Win first, then you can start preaching.

While you preaching I'll be praying...

Administrators

It seems they are part and parcel of our and every sporting nation, these people or parasites as I prefer to call them, have become almost as famous as top sportsmen. Unfortunately its usually for the wrong reasons. Why would you want to hear about them anyway ?

I have heard stories about our administrators in Beijing. The group of absolutely useless no good bunch of ( OK I'll stop there ) booked themselves, a full group of 30, into the same hotel which our beloved George W Bush was staying in. Now according to the news source one administrators room cost the same as South Africa's entire Olympic team kit. Now I know our kit wasn't great, pretty much kuk with green crocs thrown in, but it must have cost something.
Now what did those admin people do the entire time they were inn Beijing, report on how shit we were doing. Compile lists of medal winners ?

I read on our mountain bikers blog, Burry Stander, about his Olympics and how he arrived late and had to organise himself. As an athlete he never received any help from the administrators leading up to the games either. He is lucky enough to train with his pro team who pay for him to do everything. What if he wasn't part of a team ? God help me, I'm going nuts here.

Our sports are unfortunately going through one small crisis at the moment. Where are the administrators ? No where. The players bear the brunt, or in rugby's sake and quiet rightly so, our coach PDV. I have been thinking about this subject lately and wondering about a few things. Sure we cant hang onto everyone in the money talks world of sports, but the quota systems are gradually weathering away the foundations of our sports. Its a bit like being the best player in your small dorp school and then you go to University and you are suddenly exposed to a group of players who are just as good as you if not better than the dorpie. What I'm trying to say is, good players are made to look very good in our domestic leagues, but when they step into the big wide world of international sports they are ruthlessly exposed. Its heart breaking for the player and unfortunately the Nation shares the pain.

Finally lets get back to those admin twits, its been some time since we were awarded the World Cup. Bafana continues to be the laughing stock of the soccer world. Our domestic league, The PSL is without doubt a perfect example of administrators abusing a sport. How many times do Chiefs play Pirates a season ? Imagine if Manchester United and Chelsea played each other on half as many occasions, small riots. The PSL is crap football played week in and week out, why don't other quality players from Africa come to play here, because they see it as an inferior place to play football. No wonder we cant produce world class players. The World Cup saga has bumbled from million dollar contracts for coaches and players who are clearly not good enough. But why did we wake up so late, Administrators, once again the name pops up. One hopes heads will roll and all those fat cats who are more interested in making money out of the Cup than delivering a half decent team will be strung up, but I somehow doubt it. Whats happened to our Olympic administrators, nothing as yet.

Its not their problem is it, they're Administrators.

some proof: http://www.nataliedutoit.com/?q=blog/1

World Chumps

Firstly let me introduce our first contributor:

Tennis Ball is one of rugby's finest brains, schooled under the mountain and having taught a fair number of us the finer arts of touch on Sunday with our good friend Glen, he has branched off to far flung lands but continues his almost religious verve for his beloved Boks through his column. We are fortunate here to be able to spread his gospel and here folks is his first installment:

Take the St. Petersburg Prima Ballerina troop; bring in a new instructor who suddenly and out of the blue announces that from tomorrow, despite the fact that they are recognised as the best ballerinas in the world, they will be dancing modern or tap, in all major ballet contests.

Bugger your years of training in ballet, tap it is from now on! Oh, and on stage, you will no longer be led by Baryshnikov, the one legged mute will be calling the shots.

This is tantamount to what the Boks are battling with. Playing the wrong game for the personnel we have. Note, I avoided the word ‘pattern’. Pattern implies repetition and this side cant hold on to the ball for long enough to repeat anything. Panicked, impatient, naive and poorly led - these are our world champions, a bloody embarrassment.

We are great when we kick well offensively, force line outs, play rugby close to set pieces, show patience, set phases, ruck in numbers over the ball and play to our strengths. None of these concepts however are being executed by the Boks. Even when we get even numbers to rucks we are being out muscled – our technique has left us. The players are confused and it is clear for all to see. Our coach calls for calm, ‘we are in a transition’ he says – rubbish! He has inherited a settled team of world champs – and to his credit, he has he has kept them together in personnel.

Unluckily, he lost his captain and with John Smit, the voice of reason. We actually are a better team than both NZ and Australia (on paper). De Villiers needs to make one of two decisions. Either he goes back to a style and pattern that suites our players and our national psyche and has done for 100 years, and he continues to select the team that conquered the world playing that style. Or, he changes his lose trio combination and selects Hein Brussouw, Keagan Daniel and the like and sticks with his pattern that isn’t working. One thing he doesn’t have on his side is time however.

When he took the job he knew that a Bok coach will not last a season if his team loses. The end is in site for him now. The question is how flexible is he?

I have seen this confusion before. I was at Plettenberg Bay for Harry Viljoen’s two training camps in 2000 and 2001. Confidence erosion is what occurs when a bunch of people who have made it to the top by doing one thing are suddenly made to feel inadequate as a result of being asked to do something completely different. It is the only explanation as to why our line outs are falling apart. Bewilderment is the general vibe being emitted; it is etched on their faces. No body will allow this team the 2 or 3 seasons it will take to change and feel comfortable changing.

Give up now, we can still salvage our pride, but we must stop the madness now.

Morrey.

Some fine words indeed.

Woza Weekend

What a Sporting weekend...

Some of which we would obviously like to forget. Lets start with the winners...

Julien Absalon (FRA) who absolutely smoked the Mens Mountain Biking at the Olympics. Nobody had an answer to his powerful surge after the 1st lap and he continued to put time into his rivals until the last lap where he knew it was done and dusted. To comprehensively beat the best in the world when you are the favourite shows massive BMT.

Obviously we must mention Bolt and Phelps, if you haven't heard of them then I can honestly say the drugs you are taking must be some good shit, or you've just come back from Earthdance and you probably had them there anyway. I was listening to Roland Schoeman on the wireless the other day, he apart from coming up with the usual stuff about training his hardest etc etc said he knows Phelps from the States Varsity swimming circuit. He went on to say the guy is the biggest dork you have ever met, nice guy but a dork, seems that's what it may take to be the best swimmer ever. If we are being honest Roland, Tiger Woods is a Dork too. A multi million dollar dork with a piping hot Swedish wife. " How'd you like them apples "--- Baaaahhhhh

Liverpool coming back from a goal down with ten minutes to play and winning with a pearler from their beloved Stevie G. I had Goosebumps watching the Kop end going mental. I have always maintained that being a top pro footballer must be some of the most satisfying work around. Sure it has alot of stress, but when you score a goal like that the world must seem pretty sweet. Mannnenberg Central must have gone off its tits on Saturday night.

I will leave the Boks and the Proteas for another day, not cause I am bitter or twisted about the whole thing at all. They just sucked again and don't deserve my fury yet. I just hope the Proteas can wipe that smug grin off that twat Pietersens face by coming back and winning the series 4-1. Now that would make my summer. Not to mention the English press'

A final note:

I really enjoyed some of the Olympics, I reckon there alot of sports that can go. Just a waste of time really. Is synchronised swimming a sport ? OK the ladies are worth watching but again I ask you " is it a sport ? "

Stormers to sign Rupeni ?

Hot off the press: I wonder if its possible are we getting the real deal here ?
Rupeni Caucaunibuca is apparently in talk with the Stormers, he and old Sereli Knuckles must have had a few bats together while chilling on the Islands. Maybe he lost numbers to go get the next paycheck...

Well word on the streets is that he is in talks with Leicester, The Waratahs and The Stormers to see who coughs up the most, or who risk's the most! Rupeni's last stint in France was a big flop but I reckon he'd fit right back into the Super14. Like Knuckles I dont think they are interested in playing Currie Cup but we will have to wait and see how this one turns out. The Gentleman under the Craven stand at Newlands would have a new hero.

What would they call him ?

Requesting a Fly Bye

Not sure if I can ever remember seeing something that made my skin crawl with excitement. These fellas are pushing the limit, its a few years old so who knows what these Tik-koppe are doing now. Mavericks fly bye's were cool but these are run on slightly different jet engines.



How sic is that, can you imagine what that must feel like. I can only try and put myself in those guys heads. Unbelievable really. To think man would never fly

Come on Summer

We have a lot to be grateful for, we live in a little slice of heaven. I know there's a cold front blowing in but summer is around the corner. Can you feel it ?

Got these sent to me today and I could'nt help thinking about summer...
After an early morning ride or dawn patrol on the new surfboard you're quietly soaking up the suns rays on your favourite beach with a smoothie and some water to re-energise yourself.
Not long to go now.

Aaaahhh Come on Summer...

Trans Rockies

Anyone else looking for an adventure...


OK, its damn pricey getting there, and the race isn't exactly cheap either. But where there is a will there is usually a way !

Check it out: http://www.transrockies.com/

The 2008 race has just finished and included 600Ks over eight stages with around 20000m of altitude gain. Quite hectic indeed. Frankly it sounds like the most amazing opportunity to ride through one of the worlds best mountain biking regions. Talk of whole stages of single track are probably somewhat spicy but hey at least they can throw it our there.


Checking out some shots from the site, the race looks pretty amazing, photo's always make these races look so rad but in actual fact you get the photo's so you can maybe recall some of the places you were. I somehow don't think you can forget riding past a turquoise river on single track with the Rockies as your backdrop.

I will be thinking of ways to get myself there, besides, what are we without dreams...

As Good as it Gets...

Yip folks this one's going into my entertainment section,

These two Yorkshire terriers of the squash world are once again battling it out on the courts of WPCC, this time for charity and in front of a large crowd of very interested spectators.

NJ Quayle known around town as Quayle's Ale's has put together this event and is the current holder of " The Kahuunies ". The K's for short, is a prize that these two have been fighting for since I can remember. Its basically an old T-shirt framed with the backside of a bull showing his most prized assets between his legs. Awesome stuff really, bit like most trophies its not about the trophy but in the winning that satisfaction is driven.

JJ Elley, the other side of this epic is a bit crook at the moment having recently returned from the states where rumour has it he also fell hard for a young American lady. He apparently hasn't had the strength to look at his squash equipment and Donkey is trying his utmost to keep him occupied on weekends just to get him going everyday.

This is not your average competition and these fellows are aiming to please, lets hope they can really deliver on the night and not let the fans down. Either way one of them will be going home happy, rumours have been circling that total shame awaits the loser. Could this spell the end of young JJ Elley before his prime or will the older, wiser albeit slower of the two Ale's not have the legs and battle in the late rounds.

Get your tickets Ladies and Gents its going to be a CRACKER

Crocs

Oh my God !!!

Look at these things, amazing hey.

So all you Crocs freaks out there, here is your chance to jump to the head of high fashion and grab a pair of these babies. Get your girlfriend a pair for her birthday, trust me you wont be together come Christmas. Maybe it's you and your taste.

Sorry, just had to offload that quickly.

My real reason for looking into these pathetic shoes was my total and complete embarrassment, and I'm pretty sure I speak for alot of you out there, when our Olympic team walked into the Birds Nest in Beijing wearing " green Crocs ". Never have I been more shamed by our administrators in all my years of supporting these guys. Come to think of it alot of things haven't been quite right of late. Lets just stick with the Olympics for now I don't have that much time.

Its early yet ( being positive ) in the Olympics and we are yet to get a medal. Togo picked one up the other day and Zim have 3, Mugabe has already claimed them for his official residence.

The swimmers have been doing us proud in the past but they have dropped us badly this time round. Too many photo shoots Ryk ( or is that Rich now ? ) Who do we blame the administrators, they didn't choose the 4x100m relay team did they ?

Anyway don't want to harp on about it but I really hope for National pride's sake we start winning again. My favourite article from the games has to be the one after the hockey team was cleaned 5-0 by the Dutch. The SA captain Emile Smith was quoted as saying the scoreline didn't reflect the match....what the fcuk !!! These comments dumbfound me, what else is there left to say after being used as mops to swab the floor with. Enough, please no more. You got cleaned, face it. Nothing like a loser who doesn't see it.

Bit like someone wearing Crocs

Xavier Rudd

Its been an amazing weekend, my soul is feeling refreshed after our brief brush with summer.

I took it real easy this weekend for various reasons we don't have to go into. But feeling very soulful and in touch, It only felt right that I share something.

Xavier Rudd, not sure if you have heard of him but when you do you will wonder how he has managed to evade your music radar. http://www.xavierrudd.com/index.php

Well there it is, that's his URL. The bloke, he's an Aussie and a real good one as my mate Wozza would say, is a legend about to head out on a world tour. Sorry he is not stopping here on his path to the States and Europe, if you in London or Scotland look him up in his concert list.

I am writing this while listening to some of his beats. He is a big supported of the Aborigines as seen by the photo here. Anyway go have a look for yourself, listen to his stuff on his myspace page or go to youtube and watch this master at work.

Enjoy the spirit

You can have him...

Seriously, Kevin Pietersen is probably the most irritating person in the world at the moment. Ok Ashfak whatshisface is a close second but that's for another time. Hopefully he doesn't warrant any more space than he's getting now.

So Kev is now the England cricket captain, Oh God. Not only is the biggest ego in sport very painful already but now he has a platform on which he can splurge more gibberish about himself and the team. Being Captain now, team has become a big word for him. I'm sure his teammates were all chuckling quietly when he tried to smash Paul Harris to reach his century only to cough it up to mid off and probably blow England's chance of winning the test. Harsh but think about it a little and it may become clearer. There, good, you see my point.

Well the 4th Test is about to start and Kev is leading his team for the first time, I have a funny feeling alot of Poms will be willing his failure, they have a sick fascination in watching confident people crumble, only time will tell. I'll be watching.

Well done to Smithers and the team for cleaning an average England team, hopefully they can win the rubber 3-0 and give Kev a great start to his career.

A Break in the Clouds

Well what can I say the ancestors answered the All Blacks prayers (and mine ) and cleaned those Aussie show pony's properly. Nothing better than seeing the usually smug convicts bolted safely behind the polls for most of the match. Sorry if your are an Aussie supported, but not really.

The win for the AB's has set the Tri Nations up very nicely. Newlands is going to be insane with an atmosphere to match any of the games played yet. Get your tickets securely locked in your safe at home cause this one's going to be precious. More on it later...

Saturday proved a break in the clouds for the Cape as well, with the race in Stellenbosch in clear cool conditions. Look there was alot of mud around which made riding in some places very tricky but all in all it was a good day out. I started like a bat out of hell and unfortunately paid the price for a combination of not eating enough and writing cheques my body couldn't count. The 66km route was very tough but alot of fun with plenty of single track and the obvious climbs to hurt you all the way through to the finish.

I was astounded to hear the winners ( Kevin Evans ) time was an hour faster than me, look I'm not saying I am grease lightning but that is very very quick. His average speed was 25kph, I'm sorry but that's flying on the track we rode. He deserves all the praise. Recently he ended 14th in the recent world marathon champs which featured the "Sauser-Pauliinson crash".

I have about two and a half months till the Cedarberg Experience where the distances are between 60 and 90 km per day for three days. I have to get my endurance better suited to the longer days but I am reasonably happy with things as they are although there are some long hard days ahead...

Oh how I wish it would rain now...

Well tomorrow I am riding in the Stellenbosch Mountain Bike Challenge. The weather over the last few days has been up to shit so you will know that it's not going to be dry out there.

I am riding in the 66km race which starts at 8:20am. Slightly tweaked as I am starting in the third group which is going to be tough going getting through the back markers. Hopefully it wont be too slow and it will open up nicely for me.

Not sure how ready I am for this race what with all the rain that's been around of late and the darkness of winter which kills your ride time, unless you're a pro of course, who can afford to ride during the day. I'll let you know how it goes.

On another note: lets hope the All Blacks can pull it off this weekend and whatever you have planned get out there and enjoy it.