Soccer Fan Blog

Brad Morgan
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Football – or soccer, as we call it – is the most widely played sport in South Africa, with its traditional support base in the black community. For many South Africans the country’s proudest sporting moment came when we won the African Nations Cup on home turf in 1996.
Soccer is intensely followed, and the quality of the local game keeps improving – as demonstrated by the increasing number of South African players-in-exile among the glamorous European clubs.
Local teams, organised in a national league plus a plethora of knock-out cups, are followed with passion by paint-daubed, costumed, whistling and cheering fans. Mercifully, the country has been spared the spectre of football hooliganism.
There’s probably no quicker way to “break the ice” with the South African man on the street than to demonstrate some knowledge of local soccer. To help you improve your conversational skills, here’s a crash course on the country’s most important teams and competitions.
Bafana Bafana
Banyana Banyana
Glamour clubs
Premier Soccer League
Knockout competitions
First Division
BAFANA BAFANA
One of the first gifts that democracy brought South Africa was its first truly representative national soccer team.
In 1992, the united South African team came into being, playing Cameroon in its first match in Durban on 9 July. It was a triumphant occasion for the side that came to be known as Bafana Bafana – “The Boys” – as they edged the West African powerhouse by a goal to nil.
However, the win concealed the negative effect that apartheid-enforced isolation had had on local soccer. This lack of international experience showed as South Africa lost four matches in a row – to Cameroon, Zambia, Nigeria and Zambia – in failing to qualify for the 1994 African Nations Cup.
African champions
When South Africa hosted the 1996 African Nations Cup, however, South Africa proved they belonged in the finals by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. It was during the team’s run to the title that its nickname, “Bafana Bafana”, became known around the world.
Nelson Mandela leads the celebrations as Neil Tovey lifts the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
Shortly after being crowned African champions, Bafana Bafana took on world champions Brazil in Johannesburg. Buoyed by a fearless home crowd, the South Africans went two goals up before the Brazilians fought back to win the match 3-2.
Two World Cups
Bafana Bafana reached another milestone in 1997 when they qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. In France the following year, South Africa lost to the hosts – who went on to win the Jules Rimet Trophy – before drawing with Denmark and Saudi Arabia.
In the same year, Bafana Bafana appeared in their second African Nations Cup, making it through to the final where they lost 2-0 to Egypt.
In 1999, Bafana Bafana beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 on aggregate to lift the Afro-Asian Trophy. The side also recorded its first win over European opposition, beating Sweden in Pretoria by a goal to nil.
In 2000, Bafana Bafana reached the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup, where they were beaten by Nigeria. The South Africans went on to finish third, defeating Tunisia on penalties after playing to a 2-2 draw.
It was at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, however, that Bafana Bafana showed their true potential. While they failed to progress beyond the first round, their five goals scored in one win, one draw and a thrilling 3-2 loss against Spain showed the world that South Africa belonged on football’s biggest stage.
Big drop-off
South Africa lost to fired-up hosts Mali in the quarterfinals of the 2002 African Nations Cup.
In 2003, however, there was a big drop-off in Bafana Bafana’s performances, and they failed to progress beyond the first round of the 2004 African Nations Cup after losing four-nil to Nigeria.
The slide continued in 2005, and South Africa’s national team hit an all-time low when they were eliminated in the first round of the 2006 African Nations Cup after being beaten in all three group matches and failing to score a goal.
Big-name coach
Having won the right to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the South African Football Association went after a big-name coach to ensure that the country’s team, guaranteed a place in the event, does not disappoint its fans.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winning coach, was tasked with getting the national team back on track.
Parreira achieved his first goal when South Africa qualified for the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana. Once more, the team bowed out after the first round of the continental championship, but there were some promising signs after their disastrous campaign in Egypt in 2006.
South Africa’s group was the most tightly contested in the tournament, with four of the six matches ending in draws; so it was that one loss for Bafana Bafana was enough to see them eliminated.
After Bafana Bafana’s best result under Parreira, a stylish 3-0 defeat of Paraguay in Pretoria in March, the Brazilian abruptly resigned in April 2008, returning home to support his wife, who had undergone surgery for cancer.
Joel Santana
His replacement was another Brazilian, recommended by Parreira: Joel Santana. A man with an excellent record in Brazilian club football, Santana lacks international experience, but his new-look Bafana squad are showing signs of real promise.
They were desperately unlucky to lose 1-0 to Nigeria in their final qualifying match for the 2010 African Cup of Nations, played in September 2008. That result means that, for the first since 1996, South Africa will not contest the African Nations Cup in 2010.
Since then, however, Bafana have secured four friendly international victories against Cameroon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and Malawi.
The 3-2 win over Cameroon in November 2008 was South Africa’s best of the year, not only because of the Indomitable Lions’ high ranking (14th in the world, 1st in Africa), but also because of the style of football played by Santana’s charges.
It’s that kind of form that Bafana Bafana will have to take with them into the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup and 2010 Fifa World Cup, if they are to measure up to the high expectations of their fans.
BANYANA BANYANA
South Africa’s senior women’s team, Banyana Banyana – “The Girls” – have traditionally been the strongest team in southern Africa and one of the best in Africa.
There is, however, one hurdle that Banyana have yet to overcome: Nigeria. Had it not been for the West African powerhouse, South Africa’s women would have laid claim to the number one ranking in Africa a number of times in recent years.
Banyana Banyana were crowned Cosafa (Confederation of Southern African Football Associations) champions in 2002 and 2006. In continental competition, the team finished runner-up to Nigeria at the CAF African Women’s Championship in 2000, and second at the All Africa Games in 2003 and 2007.
GLAMOUR CLUBS
Kaizer Chiefs
South Africa’s favourite soccer club never seems to play an away match. “The Amakhozi” often draw more supporters at away games than their opposition.
Founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung – who made his name in the United States when the American league was drawing such superstars as Pele, Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer – Kaizer Chiefs are one of South Africa’s most successful teams.
Twice the winners of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, Chiefs secured their first African title in 2002 when they won the Cup Winners Cup – renamed after Nelson Mandela – by defeating Inter Luanda of Angola in the final.
Orlando Pirates
Formed in 1937, Orlando Pirates has a support base extending across the country’s borders.
Two-time winners of SA’s Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, “The Buccaneers” are the only South African team so far to have won Africa’s premier club competition, the Champions League, a feat they achieved in 1995.
Like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates seldom are disadvantaged when they play away from home, with fanatical supporters spread throughout South Africa.
The fierce traditional rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs makes for one of the biggest derby matches in the world. In November 2007, on the day preceding the 2010 Fifa World Cup draw in Durban, the Chiefs-Pirates derby was broadcast throughout Africa and 43 European countries, a first for South African football.
Mamelodi Sundowns
While Chiefs and Pirates have long battled for the title of South Africa’s most popular club, a third outfit has emerged as a challenger for the position: Mamelodi Sundowns.
Backed by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, a billionaire, “The Brazilians” have the finances to ensure a squad with depth and quality. The club is often compared to England’s Chelsea, which rose to prominence partly through the backing of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Sundowns have been the most successful team since the formation of the Premier Soccer League in 1997, winning the title on five occasions.
PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE
South Africa’s top soccer league, featuring the country’s best 16 clubs, came into being in 1997.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has helped raise the standard of club football in South Africa, providing the sport with better media coverage and much-improved revenue through strong sponsorship deals. It has also provided a platform for local players to make their mark and catch the eye of overseas clubs.
Sponsorship boom
In June 2007, the PSL pulled off an astounding coup when it signed a R1.6-billion broadcast deal with SuperSport International.
In August 2007, corporate heavyweights South African Breweries (SAB) and Absa Bank announced a joint sponsorship of more than R500-million over the next five years for South African football. SAB is behind Bafana Bafana, while Absa sponsors the PSL’s Premier Division.
In February 2008, Nedbank announced that it would be putting up R20-million in prize money for the Nedbank Cup knockout competition as part of a five-year, R400-million sponsorship of the local game.
And in August 2008, cellular giant MTN committed the same amount – R400-million over five years – to the local game, while taking over the title sponsorship of the Top 8 knockout tournament.
These deals combined have made South Africa’s Premier Soccer League the seventh biggest earner of sponsorship revenue among football leagues worldwide.
Ups and downs
Manning Rangers, coached by Gordon Igesund, stunned all and sundry by winning the inaugural PSL title ahead of a number of more fancied opponents in 1997. Then, from 1998 to 2000, Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a hat-trick of titles.
In 2001, Igesund moved to Orlando Pirates and helped “The Buccaneers” secure the title. The following season he repeated the trick with Cape Town-based Santos.
Pirates won the league for the second time in 2003, followed by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in 2004 and 2005.
In 2006, Igesund was appointed manager of Sundowns and was quickly spinning his magic once more, winning a fifth title for “The Brazilians” and becoming the first coach to win the championship with four different clubs.
That didn’t prevent Igesund from getting the sack in February 2008, however, following a poor run of results. When it comes to passionate fans, high stakes and heated debates, South Africa’s Premier Soccer League is up there with the best of them!
In May 2008, SuperSport’s support of the game, through both television broadcasting and sponsorship, was rewarded when SuperSport United captured the PSL title for the first time.Premier Soccer League champions:
2008/09: SuperSport United
2007/08: SuperSport United
2006/07: Mamelodi Sundowns
2005/06: Mamelodi Sundowns
2004/05: Kaizer Chiefs
2003/04: Kaizer Chiefs
2002/03: Orlando Pirates
2001/02: Santos
2000/01: Orlando Pirates
1999/00: Mamelodi Sundowns
1998/99: Mamelodi Sundowns
1997/98: Mamelodi Sundowns
1996/97: Manning Rangers
KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS
A number of knockout competitions are played alongside the league fixtures in South African soccer.
Nedbank Cup
A knockout competition modelled on England’s famous FA Cup, giving lower league teams the chance to do battle with premier league clubs, has been in existence since 1978, under various names: the Mainstay Cup (1978-1987), Bobsave Superbowl (1988-2002), Absa Cup (2003-07) and, from 2008, the Nedbank Cup.
With a total prize purse of R19.3-million, including R6-million for the winners, R2.5-million for the runners-up and R1-million for the losing semi-finalists, the Nedbank Cup is the most lucrative domestic soccer competition in Africa.Cup champions:
2009: Moroka Swallows
2008: Mamelodi Sundowns
2007: Ajax Cape Town
2006: Kaizer Chiefs
2005: SuperSport United
2004: Moroka Swallows
2003: Santos
2002: not played
2001: Santos
2000: Kaizer Chiefs
1999: SuperSport United
1998: Mamelodi Sundowns
1997: not played
1996: Orlando Pirates
1995: Cape Town Spurs
1994: Vaal Professionals
1993: Witbank Aces
1992: Kaizer Chiefs
1991: Moroka Swallows
1990: Jomo Cosmos
1989: Moroka Swallows
1988: Orlando Pirates
1987: Kaizer Chiefs
1986: Sundowns
1985: Bloemfontein Celtic
1984: Kaizer Chiefs
1983: Moroka Swallows
1982: Kaizer Chiefs
1981: Kaizer Chiefs
1980: Orlando Pirates
1979: Kaizer Chiefs
1978: Wits University
MTN 8
The MTN 8 – formerly the Top 8 and Supa 8 – is contested at the beginning of each Premier Soccer League season by the top eight finishers of the previous season.
Now known as the MTN 8 Knockout, after cellular operator MTN took over the title sponsorship, the tournament boasts a R8-million winner-takes-all prize – while guaranteeing each team R800 000 simply for participating.Top 8 champions:
2008: Kaizer Chiefs
2007: Mamelodi Sundowns
2006: Kaizer Chiefs
2005: Bloemfontein Celtic
2004: SuperSport United
2003: Jomo Cosmos
2002: Santos
2001: Kaizer Chiefs
2000: Orlando Pirates
1996: Orlando Pirates
1995: Wits University
1994: Kaizer Chiefs
1993: Orlando Pirates
1992: Kaizer Chiefs
1991: Kaizer Chiefs
1990: Mamelodi Sundowns
1989: Kaizer Chiefs
1988: Mamelodi Sundowns
1987: Kaizer Chiefs
1986: Arcadia
1985: Kaizer Chiefs
1984: Wits University
1983: Orlando Pirates
1982: Kaizer Chiefs
1981: Kaizer Chiefs
1980: Witbank Black Aces
1979: Moroka Swallows
1978: Orlando Pirates
1977: Kaizer Chiefs
1976: Kaizer Chiefs
1975: Moroka Swallows
1974: Kaizer Chiefs
1973: Orlando Pirates
1972: Orlando Pirates
Telkom Knockout
The Telkom Knockout competition, which features all 16 Premier Soccer League teams on a knockout basis, is African football’s second most lucrative domestic competition after the Nedbank Cup.
The competition was first held in 1992 and has existed under a number of different names, including the Coca-Cola Cup and the Rothmans Cup.
Telkom became the new sponsors in 2006, and in 2007 paid out R14.2-million in prize money, including R4.25-million to the winners.Cup champions:
2008: Ajax Cape Town
2007: Kaizer Chiefs
2006: Silver Stars
2005: Jomo Cosmos
2004: Kaizer Chiefs
2003: Kaizer Chiefs
2002: Jomo Cosmos
2001: Kaizer Chiefs
2000: Ajax Cape Town
1999: Sundowns
1998: Kaizer Chiefs
1997: Kaizer Chiefs
1996: Umtata Bucks
1995: Wits University
1994: Qwa Qwa Stars
1993: Umtata Bucks
1992: Amazulu
FIRST DIVISION
Below the Premier Soccer League, South African football’s First Division is divided into two – the Inland Stream and the Coastal Stream – with each stream made up of eight clubs.
At the end of each season, the winners of the two streams meet in a final, with a place in the Premier Soccer League at stake (replacing the team that finished last in the PSL). The second-placed team, however, still has a shot at making it into the PSL.
That club takes on the two second-placed finishers from the First Division, as well as the team that finished second-last in the PSL, in a mini-tournament, with the winner earning a place in the top league.

FIFA Early Warning System GmbH has confirmed that were no irregular betting activities during the first phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary competition. It can therefore be concluded that there have been no attempts from betting circles to influence or manipulate approximately 90 matches that have been played since August 2007. In recent months, leading bookmakers, betting operators and betting organisations have signed up to the early warning system and pledged to report any incidences of irregular betting patterns.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, speaking in the light of recent suspicious activity in other competitions, is pleased by these initial results: “The FIFA early warning system passed its first test in 2006 and has since been introduced across the board, and that means that we now have an efficient means of supervising and controlling betting activities.”
He is, however, worried by recent developments. “This is a serious threat to football. FIFA expressed concern at recent developments in UEFA’s competitions. We have no doubt, however, that UEFA will do everything in its power to resolve the problem. FIFA is of course offering a helping hand by making the early warning system available to all confederations and associations.”
This system will be developed further in the months ahead. The objective is to conclude cooperation agreements with the entire bookmaking and betting industry for the early warning system so that those individuals who attempt to manipulate matches for betting purposes will no longer be able to do so. By signing up to the early warning system, bookmakers and betting providers pledge to help FIFA pursue its objective of safeguarding football’s integrity by protecting it from negative influences from betting circles.
Early Warning System GmbH, a company based in Zurich, has been operational for the past six months. Its objective is to detect irregular activities in football betting circles and inform FIFA in advance of any possible attempts to influence matches. The early warning system was first tested at all 64 matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany. The positive experiences gained prompted the FIFA Congress to formalise the early warning system in late May 2007 and to employ it once again to supervise the preliminary and final competitions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

Known across the world for its excellent wines and stunning Pacific coastline, to name but two of its many attractions, Chile has also produced a host of fine footballers in recent decades – with Marcelo Salas arguably the pick of the bunch. After a lengthy spell away, El Matador is back and aiming to fire La Roja to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
For many observers, Salas is the last of a golden generation of South American goalscorers left at the very highest level, with Ecuador’s Agustin Delgado, Argentinian poacher extraordinaire Gabriel Batistuta, Paraguay’s Jose Cardozo and Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo all either retired or out of the international picture. Salas himself had called time on his Chile career, only changing his mind a few short months ago. La Roja fans are grateful that he did, as the veteran marksman grabbed a brace in the recent 2-2 draw against Uruguay, the Chileans’ first ever point in Montevideo.
Golden touch still intactHaving been plagued by injury ever since his return from European football, the former River Plate and current Universidad de Chile striker has endured more lows than highs in recent years. One of these low points even led to him abandoning the game for six long months, after a fall-out with the previous management at Universidad. However, the appointment of Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa as Chile supremo appears to have turned the situation on its head. After more than two years away from the national team, the Temuco-born front-runner has returned to lend much-needed experience to a youthful squad.
“I’m not the one who’s going to unearth the footballing ability of a player like Marcelo. We’re hoping he’s able to bring all his quality to bear on the pitch as well as his leadership skills off it,” said El Loco Bielsa when announcing Salas’ original call-up.
The gamble has certainly paid off. Chilean fans had all but given up hope of seeing Salas’ trademark celebration again in their red jersey, yet five games into his comeback there he was, kneeling on the turf of Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, his finger raised in triumph towards the heavens. His first goal against Uruguay ended an international drought that went all the way back to 4 June 2005 and a 3-1 win over Bolivia in Germany 2006 qualifying.
“You never know what the future will hold, what matters at the moment is that Chile have picked up a point where they’d never done so before. On a personal note I’m very pleased to have contributed and to have scored again in these colours,” said the 32-year-old shortly after finding the net with a full-length diving header and a coolly taken spot-kick. La Roja were unable to build on that performance in their next game, however, slumping to a comprehensive 3-0 home defeat by Paraguay in Santiago’s Estadio Nacional.
SupportSouth Africa 2010 may still be a long way off, but many Chilean fans remain hopeful that Salas can guide them safely through the pitfalls of South American qualifying. If proof were needed, a quick look at the messages of support received by FIFA.com from every corner of the Andean nation should dispel any doubts.
” El Matador, you’re the greatest, we never lost faith in you!” roared SEBACHILE after the Uruguay match, jmarquez adding that Salas is “sharper than ever. Keep it going Chile!”
The country’s media was also quick to heap praise on the highest goalscorer in the history of the national team. La Tercera led with the claim that Salas “rewrote the history books”, while El Mercurio dubbed him a “first-class veteran”. And what does the man himself make of all this? “I always felt very close to the public, even though that’s not why I did my job. I’m always grateful for the support and I hope to continue to give more reasons for celebration in order to help this team grow and make all us Chileans happy.” In the case of Marcelo Salas, it seems the old saying is true: form is temporary, class is permanent.

One day after the preliminary draw in Durban, South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, today (26 November) officially presented the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tour operator programme to more than 200 interested travel experts from across the globe at Soccerex 2007 in Johannesburg. The tour operator programme, the first to be implemented by FIFA since 1998, will allow qualified and experienced travel companies to offer customised travel packages of their own creation in combination with 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tickets.
“Today marks a further step towards ensuring that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup are felt by all sectors from multinational to family businesses. It is an excellent example of government working hand in hand with the tourism industry and broader stakeholders towards a common goal – an African World Cup that we all can be proud of. The initiative provides tremendous global marketing potential for SMMEs (small, medium and micro-enterprises),” stated van Schalkwyk.
To make it easier for football fans to identify the tour operators who are entitled to sell travel arrangements with valid 2010 tickets, a special quality mark featuring the 2010 official emblem with the word mark “Authorised Travel Packages” has been developed. The registration period for tour operators will start on 15 February 2008. A total of 350,000 tickets have been allocated to cater for these packages.
“It is extremely important for us to ensure that the first FIFA World Cup in Africa touches as broad an audience as possible in the most meaningful way,” said FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke. “FIFA’s aim is to facilitate travel to the matches for more than 400,000 international visitors by making use of a strong alliance of available local accommodation in various forms, ranging from small bed-and-breakfast establishments to top world-class hotels, ground and air transportation facilities. At the same time, we want to ensure that the spectators will be in for a real African treat, experiencing the great culture that the continent and South Africa have to offer.” Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 SALOC, explained that: “The tour operator programme will help FIFA, the LOC, MATCH and all tourism stakeholders in South Africa to present the 2010 hosts in the best possible light. What is more, the tour operator programme will also enable South African SMME tourism entities to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime event and benefit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is a chance to enhance international awareness of a world-class tourism destination.”
The programme will be implemented on a non-exclusive basis, allowing for the appointment of multiple tour operators per country and/or region in order to foster competition among the participating companies, thereby resulting in competitive prices for fans and facilitating a broad distribution of tickets within all countries/regions as well as among broad economic markets for potential customers.
FIFA has appointed its servicing partner, MATCH Event Services Pty, to administer the programme on its behalf. FIFA Ticketing Sub-Committee chairman and Honorary FIFA Vice-President David Will, FIFA Ticketing Sub-Committee member and consultant for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Horst Schmidt and co-chairman of MATCH Jaime Byrom introduced the workshop participants to further aspects of the programme, ranging from the host country to ticketing.
Interested tour operators are requested to register online at http://touroperator.match-ag.com. The applications of tour operators who meet the mandatory requirements such as insurance and experience will then be rated on additional factors. FIFA requires tour operators offering international packages to confirm international transportation to ensure that ticket-holders can get to the country in time for matches.

All Patriot League Football eyes will shift to Hamilton on Saturday night, when the past two League champions match up when Fordham visits Colgate at 6 p.m. at Andy Kerr Stadium. The winner has gone on to claim the League title in each of the past two years, so this League opener for both squads obviously has major implications. It’s really the first “swing” game in the standings so far, and if preseason predictions hold it might be the only such game until Oct. 24. Colgate comes in red hot with a 3-0 record and the fifth-ranked rushing attack in the country, while Fordham will have to get its defense together after starting 0-2 and allowing 40.5 points per game in the first two contests. The matchup was close in each of the past two years, with Fordham winning, 34-31, in 2007 and Colgate scoring in the final seconds for a 31-24 victory in 2008.

The other four teams in action on Saturday all host non-League games, with Lafayette taking on Penn, Lehigh playing Princeton, Bucknell facing Marist and Georgetown going up against Howard. It’s a big game for the Mountain Hawks and Hoyas, who like Fordham are trying to capture their first win of the year.

For full preview coverage of all of Saturday’s Patriot League games, read the Patriot League preview. The preview includes game notes, live stat, audio and video links that are available for all contests. The links can also be found at the Patriot League Composite Schedule. Also, don’t forget to check out the new Interactive scoreboard that will provide in-game updates for any contests with Gametracker coverage.

I’m headed off to Colgate this weekend, so hopefully we’ll have blog and Twitter updates from Hamilton. As always, enjoy the games and Go Patriot League !

Patriot League Media Relations Director Matt Dougherty