Lungani Zama

Let’s get one thing straight here, folks. David Beckham’s absence from the World Cup is probably a blessing in disguise for Fabio Capello and England’s chances. For starters, the world’s most celebrated part-time footballer was never a starting option for a serious match — he is simply over the hill. His inclusion would have sidelined […]

So now England may be in the market for a new captain. Since John Terry’s Tiger-esque demise — in the space of one weekend, the entire Soccer World Cup campaign has apparently been jeopardised because Wayne Bridge can’t stand to be in the same room as Terry. Well, what to do, what to do? Clearly, […]

Sport, being the great equaliser that it is, simply waits for no man and respects no reputations. This time last year, the world was Graeme Smith’s oyster as he led a team brimming with talent, luck and confidence to burst Australia’s bubble in unforgettable fashion in their own backyards. But was it unforgettable? Certainly for […]

The legendary former Australian rugby captain, John Eales, was known as “Nobody”. It was not for lack of talent — because any goal-kicking lock forward is certainly not a nobody! Eales earned the tag when he missed a match-winning kick in a Bledisloe Cup match against bitter rivals New Zealand. Hence the nickname, “Nobody’s Perfect”. […]

Forget the Thierry Henry of Arsenal days. Forget the mazy runs, the languid sprint and the delightful finishes. There is only one Henry that football will remember, and that is the cheat who popped up on Wednesday night. He used to be revered as “Titi” the legend, but he can now remove a single “i” […]

It is funny how where you are affects the way you see things. Like my viewing of the Chelsea-Manchester United clash on Sunday, for instance. Instead of the normal, lofty armchair, I found myself in the altogether more dodgy surrounds of a dingy Durban pub. Complete with its own sulky bar lady, intimidating owner and […]

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Liverpool dug deep on Sunday and got a win over their friends from down the road. And while they were at it, their fans also gave Michael Owen the sort of reception befitting a bomb terrorist … But, these things happen. Owen must have expected it, and from the […]

The sticky issue of England’s cricket side resembling a United Nations delegation keeps raising its head, but it shouldn’t be such a surprising trend to cricket followers. A glance at the numbers reveal why so many South Africans, in particular, find themselves furnished with county contracts and the long-term prospect, however faint, of international cricket […]

It is frightening to see the gulf in class between the English Premiership and our own. While the like of City, Liverpool and even Sunderland plundered four goals apiece over the weekend, South Africa’s finest combined for a completely underwhelming barrage of just nine goals in eight matches. It is a shocking statistic, especially when […]

So Sepp Blatter and company have finally decided to stop worrying about crime statistics in South Africa and do their job as governors of the game. About time, too. Last week’s bolt from the blue may have left Chelsea feeling well, slightly blue, but it was a long overdue stamping out of one of football’s […]

I have seen plenty of own goals before, some crazier than others, but Abou Diaby’s nonchalant header into the top corner almost takes the cake. Sadly, it was the death nail in an otherwise fantastic fight from Arsenal. I cannot imagine what went through his mind — if anything at all. Heck, he is not […]

Wow, what a game that was! Full house, goals galore and a frenetic finish. English Premiership? Think again. Chiefs vs Ajax was the best on the box this weekend, despite Arsenal’s fab four or Manchester United’s five goals at Wigan. Hell, even Chelsea’s supposed West London derby at Fulham had nothing on that. Sadly, this […]