El Shaarawy commits himself to Milan until 2018

AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has committed his future to the Serie A giants after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 20-year-old Italy international, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, will remain with I Rossoneri until 30 June 2018.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Stephan El Shaarawy and Milan have prolonged their professional relationship with a signature that arrived today."

El Shaarawy made a quiet start to his career at the San Siro after leaving Genoa in June 2011, scoring only two goals as Milan surrendered their league title to Juventus last season.

With several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly showing interest in the striker, El Shaarawy was handed an improved deal running until June 2017 at the end of 2011/12.

Having made his Italy U-21 debut with Milan, the forward missed out on a place at UEFA EURO 2012, but made his full international debut in a friendly against England in August.

As Milan suffered their worst start to a Serie A season in decades, losing six of their first 12 matches, El Shaarawy's return of 14 league goals before the new year kept them out of the relegation zone.

The January arrival of his international team-mate Mario Balotelli from Manchester City has seen El Shaarawy take a more auxiliary role in attack, but his goal in Sunday's Milan derby ensured a point from a 1-1 draw with Inter.

Last week, El Shaarawy provided the crucial pass for Sulley Muntari to score the second goal as Milan beat Barcelona 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

Bale flattered by Messi, Ronaldo comparisons

Tottenham Hotspur's man of the moment Gareth Bale is flattered by comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but says he is determined to forge his own identity in the game.

The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, scoring eight times in six games as Spurs have climbed to third place in the Premier League and reached the last 16 in the UEFA Europa League.
The Welshman's goals have taken his tally for the season to a career-high 19 and prompted comparisons with Real Madrid star Ronaldo, whose pace, power and free-kick prowess are echoed in Bale's own style of play. British media pundits have started to ask whether Bale could stand comparison with Ronaldo and his Barcelona rival Messi, but the man at the centre of the fuss says he tries to ignore the hype.
"I think anybody would love to be mentioned alongside the best in the world," Bale told Sport magazine. "It's flattering, but I don't really look too much into it.

"I don't get the newspapers or read too many reports, so I don't really know how much hype there is. Obviously my friends tell me things, but I just treat every day as normal and focus on my job.
"I don't model my game on Ronaldo's. I have my own way of playing and it's not exactly the same, but we do have similar attributes.

I think anybody would love to be mentioned alongside the best in the world. It's flattering, but I don't really look too much into it.

Gareth Bale

"I just like watching the best players, seeing Messi and Ronaldo. I've watched Ronaldo in the past and you do take things from other people's games to try to improve as a player, which I have hopefully."
Bale enjoying AVB style
Bale also paid tribute to Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas for adding a new dimension to his game since succeeding Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
"Harry was more, 'Go out there and play how you feel and express yourself'," Bale said. "With Andre, there's a certain shape and a style we play. I think Harry was more free and let you do what you want. Andre does that too, but there's a lot more tactical work.
"I think it's something that's good to learn. We've done well this year and I think that's down to our defending as well as attacking."
Tottenham host Arsenal on Sunday, bidding for a victory that would give them a seven-point lead over their north London rivals in the Premier League.

Man Utd v Real Madrid: United can win without Van Persie - Fortune

Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune is confident his former side can beat Real Madrid - even without striker Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has a hip injury but should be fit for their Champions League tie at Old Trafford, which is poised at 1-1 after the first leg.

"Robin will be a huge loss if he's not playing, but it's about the team," Fortune told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I think it's United's time. They're hungry for success again."

Van Persie has scored 23 goals in his first season with the Premier League leaders, including three in the Champions League. 

"It won't be easy but I do believe United are capable of beating Madrid without Robin and Phil." 

Kocha Azam Afungiwa Kwa Kuchojoa Bukta

Kocha Mkuu wa Azam, Stewart John Hall amefungiwa mechi tatu na kupigwa faini ya sh. 500,000 kwa kushusha bukta yake na kumlalamikia mwamuzi msaidizi wakati wa mechi ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom (VPL) kati ya timu yake na Kagera Sugar iliyochezwa Januari 26 mwaka huu Uwanja wa Azam Complex ulioko Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.

Adhabu hiyo imetolewa na Kamati ya Ligi ya Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF) iliyokutana mwishoni mwa wiki kupitia ripoti za michuano ya VPL na Ligi Daraja la Kwanza (FDL) msimu wa 2012/2013 inayoendelea hivi sasa na kufanya uamuzi mbalimbali.

Naye Kocha Msaidizi wa timu ya Mgambo Shooting, Denis Mwingira ametozwa faini ya sh. 500,000 kwa kumtolea lugha chafu mwamuzi kwenye mechi dhidi ya Mtibwa Sugar iliyochezwa Oktoba mwaka jana katika Uwanja wa Manungu.

Ally Jangalu ambaye ni Kocha Msaidizi wa Polisi Morogoro naye ameangukiwa na rungu la Kamati ya Ligi kwa kupigwa faini ya sh. 500,000 baada ya kutolewa kwenye benchi kwa kupinga uamuzi wa refa kwa sauti ya juu. Alitenda kosa hilo kwenye mechi kati yao na Kagera Sugar iliyochezwa Novemba 10 mwaka jana Uwanja wa Kaitaba mjini Bukoba.

Matukio ya aina hiyo kwa kocha Jangalu yamekuwa ya kujirudiarudia ambapo Oktoba 13 mwaka jana katika mechi dhidi ya Azam iliyochezwa mjini Morogoro aliondolewa na mwamuzi kwenye benchi kwa kuchochea wachezaji wa timu yake wacheze rafu.

Naye Kocha wa timu ya Moro United inayoshiriki FDL, Yusuf Macho amepigwa faini ya sh. 200,000 kwa kumtolea lugha chafu refa baada ya mechi dhidi ya Transit Camp iliyofanyika Novemba 4 mwaka jana Uwanja wa Mabatini mjini Mlandizi.

Pia Kocha wa Burkina Faso, Hasheem Mkingie amepigwa faini ya sh. 200,000 baada ya kutolewa kwenye benchi kwa kutoa lugha chafu katika mechi ya FDL dhidi ya Mkamba Rangers.

Kiongozi wa Majimaji, Joseph Nswila ambaye aliingia uwanjani baada ya mechi dhidi ya Mlale JKT kumalizika na kuvamia waamuzi amefungiwa miezi sita.

Vilevile timu ya Azam imepigwa faini ya sh. 300,000 kwa kuchelewa kufika uwanjani kwenye mechi kati yao na JKT Oljoro iliyochezwa Novemba 7 mwaka jana katika Uwanja wao wa Azam Complex ulioko Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.

Pia Coastal Union imetozwa faini ya sh. 500,000 kutokana na washabiki wake kumrushia chupa za maji mwamuzi msaidizi namba mbili wakati wa mechi yao dhidi ya Simba iliyochezwa Oktoba mwaka jana Uwanja wa Mkwakwani jijini Tanga.

Nayo klabu ya African Lyon imepigwa faini ya sh. 500,000 kwa timu yake kugoma kuingia kwenye chumba cha kubadilishia nguo wakati wa mapumziko katika mechi dhidi ya Coastal Union iliyochezwa Uwanja wa Mkwakwani jijini Tanga, Oktoba 24 mwaka jana.

Timu ya Burkina Faso ya Morogoro imepigwa faini ya sh. 200,000 kutokana na kuonesha vitendo vya ushirikina kabla ya mechi yao dhidi ya Mbeya City iliyochezwa Oktoba 24 mwaka jana Uwanja wa Jamhuri mjini Morogoro.

Faini ya ushirikina ya sh. 200,000 pia imepigwa timu ya Pamba baada ya kuonesha vitendo hivyo kwenye mechi yao dhidi ya Mwadui iliyochezwa Novemba 4 mwaka jana Uwanja wa Kambarage mjini Shinyanga.

Nayo Mkamba Rangers imepigwa faini ya sh. 200,000 baada ya washabiki wake kumtolea lugha chafu Katibu wa Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Mkoa wa Morogoro (MRFA), Hamis Semka na kumrushia chupa za maji mwamuzi wa mezani katika mechi dhidi ya Mbeya City iliyochezwa mjini Morogoro.

Polisi Dodoma imepigwa faini ya sh. 200,000 kutokana na washabiki wake kuvamia uwanjani na kutaka kuwapiga waamuzi katika mechi yao dhidi ya JKT Kanembwa na kusababisha mipira miwili ya Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Mkoa wa Dodoma (DOREFA) kupotea.

Pia klabu kadhaa zimeandikiwa barua za onyo kwa timu zao kuchelewa kufika uwanjani au kutofika kwenye mkutano wa maandalizi ya mechi (Pre-match meeting). Klabu hizo ni Coastal Union, JKT Ruvu, Toto Africans, Simba, Green Warriors, Majimaji, Mkamba Rangers, Polisi Dodoma, JKT Kanembwa, Moro United.

Mchezaji Stanley Nkomola wa JKT Ruvu baada ya mechi dhidi ya Coastal Union alikwenda jukwaani na kuanza kupigana na washabiki. Pia kipa wa timu ya Transit Camp, Baltazar Makene baada ya mechi dhidi ya Tessema aliruka uzio na kwenda kupigana na washabiki.

Kwa vile masuala ya wachezaji hao ni ya kinidhamu yamepelekwa kwenye Kamati ya Nidhamu inayoongozwa na Kamishna wa Polisi (CP) mstaafu Alfred Tibaigana kwa ajili ya kuchukuliwa hatua.

Rafael Benitez wants to stay at Chelsea until end of the season

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez says he has an "excellent" relationship with owner Roman Abramovich and will remain at the club until the summer. 

 

The Spaniard criticised some of the club's fans following Wednesday's 2-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough and also said he would leave in May.

"My relationship with Roman is very good," he told BBC Sport's Dan Walker.

When asked if he would be sacked: "No. They know how we work and what we are trying to do."

He added: "The players are really happy in what we are trying to do. Sometimes you win, sometimes you cannot.

"The atmosphere in the club is really good. There are no issues in the team. In terms of what we do, the players are fully behind the methods.

"If we stick together and support the players we will be able to win games. Then at the end of the season I will leave and then they can criticise."

Tanzania Football Officials recognized by FIFA

Football Officials - Referees

Referee	Year of birth	International since
IBADA Ramadhan Kibo	1969	2004
MBAGA Oden Charles	1978	2008
MUJUNI Israel	1973	2009
WAZIRI Waziri Sheha	1971	2005

Assistant Referee	Year of birth	International since
BULALI Josephat Deu	1971	2008
CHACHA Ferdinand	1982	2012
CHANGWALU Hamis Ramadhani	1977	2005
KANYENYE John Longino	1973	2010
KINDULI Alli	1979	2012
KLEMENCE ERASMO Jesse	1978	2009
MPENZU Samuel Hudson	1976	2008

Ronaldo double helps Real sink Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his fine goal scoring record at the Nou Camp with a brace as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 to go through to the final of the King's Cup 4-2 on aggregate.

The Portuguese hit a first half penalty and then knocked in a rebound after the break as Real took full advantage of their counter-attacks.

Raphael Varane headed the third after 68 minutes while Jordi Alba got a late consolation.

Real Madrid will now take on the winners of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid who play on Wednesday, the capital side enjoying a 2-1 lead from their first leg.

Ronaldo has now scored in his last six visits to the Catalan capital and came out on top in his personal battle with Lionel Messi, who was largely anonymous in the game.

The Argentine, however, has the chance to respond when the pair meet again in the league at the weekend.

This was the vital game though for Real who trail leaders Barcelona by 16 points in La Liga after a poor campaign and it is their best chance of picking up some silverware outside of the UEFA Champions League, in which they are evenly poised against Manchester United after a 1-1 first leg draw at the Bernabeu.

"We knew how to play Barcelona and tactically we came out on top," said Real 'keeper Iker Casillas. "We were well positioned on the pitch and in all areas we were in control.

"It was a very strong performance and in defence we were superb. Cristiano was phenomenal. It was a 10 out of 10 performance and we deserve to be in the final.

"Cristiano is a vital player for us but while he had an excellent performance so did the whole team. He is a reference for us and has showed his capability not just in this game but in other Clasicos.

"Hopefully this result can now be a turning point for the side because this is a difficult stadium to play in. Now we are looking to do well in the Champions League and La Liga."

There were no surprises in the Barcelona line-up with Andres Iniesta preferred in attack to David Villa which allowed space for Cesc Fabregas in midfield.

Jose Mourinho chose Varane, who did so well in the first leg, ahead of Pepe to partner Sergio Ramos in the heart of the Madrid defence while finally there was no space for the rejuvenated Kaka with Angel Di Maria starting on the right wing.

Barcelona began at a high-tempo with Iniesta firing wide from 20 yards and then Messi screwed an angled shot with his weaker right foot past the post from the edge of the six-yard box before two minutes were even on the clock.

Barcelona missing intensity
While Barcelona had their usual attacking ethos they were not pressing with the same intensity high up the pitch and so when Real did pick up possession they were able to play their way out of defence.

Cesc had another effort which was comfortably blocked by keeper Diego Lopez before the visitors took the lead from a penalty after a breakaway which showed the danger they possess in attack, as well as Barcelona's suspect defence which has now not kept a clean sheet in 12 matches in all competitions.

Ronaldo knocked the ball around Gerard Pique inside the area and his former Manchester United team-mate brought him down for a spot-kick which the Portuguese converted.

Barcelona were hoping for a penalty of their own moments later but the referee waved away appeals for a foul by Alvaro Arbeloa on Cesc and it showed how the home side were becoming more frustrated at their inability to create clear-cut chances.

Real were defending well while they continued to threaten through Ronaldo counter-attacks.

Barcelona did win a free-kick on the edge of the area for a foul by Arbeloa after on Iniesta for which he was booked after 37 minutes and Messi's shot went a whisker past the post.

Barcelona attacked with renewed vigour after the break but it was Real who scored again after 57 minutes.

Di Maria skipped round Carles Puyol and 'keeper Victor Valdes could only parry his shot to Ronaldo who kept his composure to slot home.

The Catalan side looked stunned and lost their shape at the back as Real cut them apart. Varane got their third as he outjumped the Barcelona defence at a corner to head in off the crossbar.

A minute from the end Barcelona did finally get on the scoresheet with Alba knocking in a ball over the top from Iniesta.

Azam FC na Yanga zavunja rekodi ya mapato, 240 Milioni zakusanywa, wengi wakosa tiketi

MECHI namba 120 ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom iliyochezwa jana (Februari 23 mwaka huu) kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam na kumalizika kwa Yanga kuibuka ushindi wa bao 1-0 dhidi ya Azam imeingiza sh. 239,686,000.

Kiasi hicho cha pesa ni kikubwa na rekodi kwa vilabu nje ya Simba na Yanga zinapocheza pamoja. licha ya kupatikana kwa kiasi hicho cha pesa, kwa mara nyingine tena tatizo la kumalizika kwa tiketi na mfumo mbovu wa uuzwaji wa tiketi ulijitokeza ambapo maelfu ya mashabiki walilazimika kurejea makwao baada ya kukosa tiketi za kuingilia uwanjani

Watazamaji 39,315 walikata tiketi kushuhudia mechi hiyo ambayo viingilio vilikuwa sh. 5,000, sh. 8,000, sh. 15,000 na sh. 20,000 huku kila klabu ikipata mgawo wa sh. 58,794,927.45 wakati Kodi ya Ongezeko la Thamani (VAT) iliyolipwa ni sh. 36,562,271.19.

Kiingilio cha sh. 5,000 ndicho kilichovutia watazamaji wengi ambapo waliokata tiketi hizo walikuwa 33,315 na kuingiza sh. 165,655,000 wakati idadi ndogo ya washabiki ilikuwa ya kiingilio cha sh. 20,000 kilichovutia washabiki 485 na kuingiza sh. 9,700,000. Mgawo mwingine wa mapato hayo ni asilimia 15 ya uwanja sh. 29,895,725.82, tiketi sh. 3,183,890, gharama za mechi sh. 17,937,435.49, Kamati ya Ligi sh. 17,937,435.49, Mfuko wa Maendeleo ya Mpira wa Miguu (FDF) sh. 8,968,717.75 na Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam (DRFA) sh. 6,975,669.36.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baada ya kuichapa timua ya Azam FC kwa bao 1-0 mwishoni mwa wiki, timu ya Young Africans Sports Club leo imeingia kambini katika Hoteli ya Tansoma katikati ya jiji kujiaandaa na mechi inayofuata dhidi ya timu ya Kagera Sugar, mchezo utakaofanyika siku ya jumatano katika dimba la Uwanja wa Taifa kuanzia majira ya saa 10 jioni.

 

Young Africans ambayo iliwapa furaha washabiki, wapenzi wa soka na wanachama wake kwa soka safi la ufundi wa hali ya juu, itashuka dimbani kuwakabili wakata miwa hao ambao katika mchezo wa awal waliibuka na ushindi wa bao 1-0 mchezo uliofanyika katika dimba la Kaitaba mjini Bukoba.

 

Young Africans yenye jumla ya point 39 na mabao 34 ya kufunga na mabao 12 ya kufungwa itashuka dimba la uwanja wa Taifa kuhakikisha inaibuka na ushindi katika mchezo huo ili kuendelea kuongoza  msimamo wa Ligi Kuu ya VPL na hatimaye iweze kutwaa Ubingwa huo.

 

Mara baada ya mazoezi ya leo asubuhi, kocha mkuu Brandts amesema anashukuru vijana wake kwa kufanya kile alichowaagiza, nidhamu ya hali ya juu na kushika maelekezo yake ndio vitu vilivyopelekea kuendelea kuibuka na ushindi katika michezo mbali mbali waliyocheza.

 

Nawapongeza washabiki, wanachama na wapenzi wa Yanga waliojitokeza kwa wingi siku ya jumamosi, kuja kuwashangilia vijana, kikubwa nawaomba waendelee na moyo huo huou kwani waliwapa nguvu vijana na kuwafanya wacheze kwa kujiamini mda wote wa mchezo 'alisema Brandts'.

 

Aidha Brandts alisema matokeo ya juzi yameendelea kuiweka Yanga katika nafasi nzuri ya kuelekea kutwaa Ubingwa na atahakikisha wanajitahidi kushinda kila mchezo ili kujiweka katika mazingia mazuri ya kutwaa Ubingwa wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom.

 

Kikosi cha  wachezaji 26 na benchi la ufundi wote wameingia kambini katika Hoteli ya Tansoma mara baada ya mazoezi ya leo asubuhi na wachezaji wote ni wazima kiafya na kiakili hivyo hakuna mcheaji hata mmoja ambaye ni majeruhi.

source: www.youngafricans.co.tz

Brilliant Bale shines again as Spurs edge Hammers

Gareth Bale fired Tottenham into third place in the Premier League as his sublime last minute goal capped a majestic performance in a 3-2 win over West Ham at Upton Park on Monday.

Bale has been in the form of his life in recent weeks and the Wales winger added another chapter to his growing legend with a brilliant brace that would surely have been appreciated by Hammers legend Bobby Moore, whose death 20 years ago was marked by a moving pre-match tribute.

Moore, regarded as one of the best defenders in the history of the game, famously captained England to FIFA World Cup™ glory in 1966 and also led West Ham to FA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup triumphs.

But even Moore might have been hard pressed to subdue Bale in this mood.

Bale had given Spurs a first half lead but an Andy Carroll penalty and Joe Cole's strike put West Ham ahead by the hour mark.

Gylfi Sigurdsson came off the bench to equalise and Bale produced a simply remarkable long-range winner to move Tottenham, unbeaten in their last 11 league games, two points clear of Chelsea and four ahead of fifth placed Arsenal, who visit White Hart Lane on Sunday.

"Gareth Bale is unbelievable, a super talent. We have seen him at another level this season," Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas said.

"He makes the difference in every single game. Players like this assume responsibility at key moments. When you see him joyful on the pitch he gives you rewards.

"The gap to second place is not big and we have a chance to put Arsenal away on Sunday."

Bale added: "It's not about me, it's about the team and we played really well.

"We obviously wanted to get the three points to keep our Champions League hopes alive."

Emotional Hammers open brightly
Moore's grandchildren led the teams out and placed the ball on the spot for kick-off, which followed an emotional minutes' applause.

Fuelled by the sense of occasion, West Ham started brightly and Matt Jarvis cut into the penalty area after a flowing move and fired in a low strike that Hugo Lloris saved well.

Just as West Ham appeared to seizing control of the match, Bale underlined his claims as the best player in the Premier League with yet another moment of magic to put Spurs ahead in the 13th minute.

Bale was surrounded by West Ham defenders on the edge of the penalty area, but, drifting away from James Collins, he cleverly worked space for a shot and as West Ham's back-four hesitated the Welsh winger drove a low strike past Jussi Jaaskelainen.

That was Bale's 22nd goal for club and country this season, as well as his eighth in his last seven games.

But West Ham responded well to that setback and grabbed an equaliser in the 25th minute.

Kevin Nolan laid the ball off to Carroll in a dangerous position in the penalty area and former West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, lunging in to block, made clear contact on Carroll, forcing referee Howard Webb to give the spot-kick.

England forward Carroll, on loan from Liverpool, stepped up to smash the penalty past Lloris for his third goal of the season.

Jan Vertonghen almost restored Tottenham's lead in the opening moments of the second half when his cross deflected off Guy Demel and forced Jaaskelainen into a scrambling save.

Jaaskelainen, called into action again from the resulting corner to push away Steven Caulker's towering header, was keeping Spurs at bay almost single-handed.

He turned Sigurdsson's long-range shot onto a post and when the rebound fell to Emmanuel Adebayor, the Hammers goalkeeper leapt to his feet to block the Togo striker's follow-up.

After those escapes, West Ham moved ahead in the 58th minute when Cole collected Joey O'Brien's lofted pass with a fine first touch and turned to bury his shot beyond Lloris.

Tottenham kept pressing and, after Matt Taylor missed a golden chance to extend West Ham's lead, the visitors levelled when Sigurdsson prodded home at the far post from Bale's free-kick.

That set the stage for a pulsating finish and after more heroics from Jaaskelainen, Bale took charge, producing a truly stunning strike from 30 yards to seal the points.

Messi rallies Barcelona ahead of Clasico

 
Lionel Messi admits that Barcelona need to raise their level after two below par performances for Tuesday's Clasico in the Spanish Cup against a Real Madrid side desperate for a morale boost.
 
Barcelona made an almost faultless start to the season only dropping points in the league before Christmas with a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, while they also lost against Celtic in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
But now signs of tiredness are beginning to set in.
"Against Madrid we will have to produce our best football as we will be against a great rival. We need to be at our best in order to get into the final," said Messi, ahead of the semi-final showdown in the Catalan capital with the scores 1-1 from the first leg at the Bernabeu.
The teams then go head-to-head again in the league at the weekend but with Madrid trailing Barcelona by 16 points in the table there is little more than pride at stake.
While they were expected to roll over AC Milan last week in the Champions League in typical fashion, in the end they were unable to break down a well-organised but not remarkable defence as they lacked the movement and the speed of passing.
Even four-times world player of the year Messi was largely anonymous as they had plenty of possession but were well contained.
At the back their defence was opened up on the rare occasions that Milan attacked and they got two goals to give them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.
 
Barcelona were again lacking potency in attack in the first half against Sevilla at the weekend and went behind before turning the game around in the second half with goals from David Villa and Messi.

We need to get back to playing how we were doing before and not think about what happened in Milan or the Sevilla game.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi

The Argentine continued his record scoring run in the league to 15 straight games and will be looking to add to his tally against Madrid but there is also plenty of concern about their leaky defence.
"We need to get back to playing how we were doing before and not think about what happened in Milan or the Sevilla game.
"We took on Sevilla on the back of a bad result and that was noticeable but we got ourselves going in the end. It is difficult for us not be distracted by Milan and although we didn't play well then we shouldn't allow it to get to us," said Messi.
"The cup and the Champions League are down to us and we aren't concentrating on the opposition. Physically the team is in good shape and I am used to playing in all the games," he added.

Erratic Real face cup moment of truth
For Madrid it is the first of two make or break games with the other coming in the Champions League against Manchester United.
They struggled once again away to Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend with a weakened side and Cristiano Ronaldo was among those brought on in the second half to turn the game around and give them a 2-1 win.
"We have a big squad and the coach (Jose Mourinho) wanted to put out the freshest players. What was important was the victory and now we can think about the game on Tuesday.
"We are really up for the game and fully motivated as we know that the next few weeks will be crucial for us with the cup and then the Champions League game," said Gonzalo Higuain.

Mata calls for Chelsea cup reaction

 

Juan Mata says Chelsea must use recent disappointments as a source of motivation as they bid to set up an FA Cup quarter-final glamour tie with Manchester United.

The European champions visit second-tier Middlesbrough in the fifth round on Wednesday, three days after a 2-0 loss at Manchester City that left them seven points adrift of the top two in the Premier League.

It leaves UEFA Champions League qualification as Chelsea's only realistic objective in the league this season, but they remain in contention for honours in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

The draw for the last eight in the FA Cup dealt Rafael Benitez's side a possible trip to Old Trafford in the next round and Mata believes that should provide enough motivation to cast recent setbacks into the shade.

Writing on his official blog, blogs.grada360.com/juanmata, the Spain midfielder said: "We're sorry for our fans.

"The way to overcome the disappointment is winning again, and this coming Wednesday we have an opportunity to move one step forward in the FA Cup.

"We can still win two titles. That, plus getting a ticket to play the next Champions League, is our motivation with a view to the rest of the season and we will fight for those goals until the end, like this club has always done."

Interim Chelsea coach Benitez has complained that his club are "playing too many games" at the moment and he seems likely to shuffle his pack for the trip to the Riverside Stadium.

Striker Fernando Torres and club captain John Terry will both hope to start, having been named on the substitutes' bench for the defeat at City.

Cup specialists Boro aim high
Middlesbrough, FA Cup quarter-finalists five times since the turn of the century, are also seeking distraction from poor league form.

The north-east club have lost seven of their nine Championship games to date this year and slipped out of the play-off places after losing 2-1 at home to Millwall on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to it. It is a one-off that will lift the tensions of the Championship season," said manager Tony Mowbray.

"I hope the supporters turn up, but it's their hard-earned money and you can't tell them that they have to come.

"However, we will need a great atmosphere and hope the players find a performance to make the fans proud."

David Beckham: Midfielder targets Paris St-Germain starting spot

 

David Beckham says he is targeting a place in the Paris St-Germain starting XI after making an instant impact in Sunday's vital 2-0 victory over rivals Marseille.

The former England captain admitted he had been nervous about his first performance in France before his 16-minute appearance as a substitute.

But having helped create the second goal of the night for Zlatan Ibrahimovich, he said he had been proud of his debut at Parc des Princes.

"Obviously it is a good start," he said. "It was nice to get out there as it seems like a long time since I signed.

"The manager just asked me to go on keep the ball and settle things down. Hopefully I did that."

The 37-year-old could make his first start for Paris in Wednesday's Cup game against the same opponents and he is keen to prove to Ancelotti that he still has the ability to contribute for 90 minutes. 

David Beckham factfile

• At 37 years and nine months, David Beckham is the oldest outfield player in Ligue 1 since Claude Makelele (38 years old and three months) in May 2011 - also for PSG
• His Paris debut on Sunday means he has now played in four of the five major European leagues

Paris St-Germain 2-0 Marseille

 

Paris St-Germain go back to the top of Ligue 1, and that was the definition of grinding out a win. Title victories are supposedly built on such nights when you dig in for the three points, a trait David Beckham will know all too well from his time with Manchester United.

Ayew, Ibrahimovich on scoresheet..

David Beckham might have replaced wide midfielder Javier Pastore but he is currently marshalling the middle of the pitch in place of Marco Verratti.

In truth, he has yet to have a visible impact on PSG's possession count as they keep on gifting the ball to their never say die opponents.

Inter Milan 1-1 AC Milan

AC Milan remain third in Serie A despite drawing a match with cross-town rivals Inter Milan that they dominated for large spells. It is the first draw in the fixture since 2004. Inter are up to fourth, one point and one place behind Milan.

 El Shaarawy for Milan, Schelotto levels (1-1)

Toure, Tevez help City blank Chelsea

Superb second-half goals from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez helped Manchester City to a hard-fought win over Chelsea and reduced the gap to Manchester United at the top of the Premier League to 12 points. 

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez:

"When you lose, you have to be disappointed and this game was important for us because we could have been closer to Man City, but we cannot give up.

"We have to fight for the top four because Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are close behind.

[On the penalty awarded for a foul by Joe Hart on Demba Ba] "I haven't seen the replay, but at least yellow card. You can argue he is going in this direction but it is still a clear chance. I think it was a turning point. We didn't do well in the first half but we went to half-time at 0-0.

"We were talking about keeping the ball, doing better and showing more character. Then we had the penalty. It was a crucial moment in the game."

SWANSEA CITY WIN CAPITAL ONE CUP AFTER BEATING BRADFORD 5-0

Swansea City secured the first major trophy in their 101-year history as League Two Bradford City were thrashed in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

 

The Bantams had beaten Premier League trio Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Aston Villa on the way to becoming the first side from English football's fourth tier to reach this final since 1962.

Swansea's rise

Thirteen years ago - almost to the day - Swansea were beating Chester City 2-1 in Division Three while Bradford were in the Premier League.

Simba yajikumbusha ya LIBOLO kwa mtibwa

Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa ndivyo unavyoweza kusema mara baada ya Klabu Bingwa Tanzania Bara imba Sport Club "Wekundu wa msimbazi" kukubali kipigo cha goli moja kwa bila kutoka kwa Mtibwa Sugar ikiwa ni muendelezo wa ligi kuu ya Vodacom Tanzania Bara.

Simba iliyofanikiwa kuifunga Prisons ya Mbeya kwa Goli moja wiki iliyopita ilikoa umakini na ubora wake katika mchezo wa leo dhidi ya Mtibwa Sugar hali iliyopelekea hata baadhi ya mashabiki wake kuizomea muda mwingi wa Mchezo....

Kwa matokeo hayo Simba bado inaendelea kukamata nafasi ya tatu, huku Watani wake wa jadi wakiongoza ligi hiyo kwa pointi 36, ikifuatiwa na Azam yenye pointi 33.

HARUNA NIYONZIMA VS AZAM

Magical Bayern hit Bremen for six

Bayern Munich stretched their lead in the Bundesliga to 18 points with a 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen Saturday.

First-half goals from Arjen Robben and Javi Martinez with a header from a Robben free-kick put Bayern on the way to their sixth successive league win since the winter break.

Bremen were in further trouble after a 44th-minute red card to Sebastian Proedl for bringing down Mario Gomez on the edge of the area.

Theodor Gebre Selassie then turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute, and Gomez netted two minutes later before a Bremen consolation from Kevin de Bruyne in the 58th - the first goal conceded by Bayern in the league this year.

Bayern completed the rout when Franck Ribery volleyed in from 10 metres with four minutes remaining, and Gomez hit his second from a Robben pass with a minute left.

Bayern now have 60 points, with champions Borussia Dortmund, who play at Borussia Moenchengladbach Sunday, on 42.

Third-placed Bayer Leverkusen, on 41 points, are also in action Sunday, at bottom side Greuther Fuerth.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, celebrating his 1 000 league game as player and coach, made six changes from the side which beat Arsenal 3-1 in London in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Robben and Gomez were among the players to come in as the coach rested Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Mueller, David Alaba and Daniel van Buyten ahead of a cup match with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

"In the first 20 minutes it was not too easy," Heynckes said.

"With a new team after six changes we saw we needed a bit of rhythm and a bit of time. However the players who have not had too much match practice played with a lot of assurance.

"We got the goals to go two up and the red card also played into our hands. The only thing a bit annoying was the goal conceded."

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "The coach chose to rotate his squad, but as we all saw, the players who came in were focused and motivated, and there was fundamentally no difference to the performance against Arsenal.

"Our declared goal is to win the league. It's the most important trophy, and we're on the right track."

Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf could not hide his disappointment at how the game developed after a good start.

"We did many things very well. But if you let your tactical guard drop against these opponents, they'll simply exploit the gaps," he said.

"We basically did very well with 10 men until Bayern fired up their engines again at the end. We're disappointed about an unsatisfactory afternoon. We wanted to put up more resistance, but we were in no position to do so."

Hanover were also in the goals, running out 5-1 winners against sixth-placed Hamburg SV. Mame Biram Diouf's header was cancelled out by Rafael van de Vaart penalty, but Szabolcs Huszti also scored from the spot.

Didier Ya Konan volleyed a third on the stroke of halftime and doubled up with a goal from close range mid-way through the second half before Mohammed Abdellaoue struck a fifth.

Defender Joel Matip scored both goals as Schalke beat Fortuna Dusseldorf 2-1 in the late game, earning the home side only a second victory in their last 12 league matches.

Matip bundeld the ball home in the 29th minute and then turned in front of goal to strike the winner with nine minutes remaining after Axel Bellinghausen had put Dusseldorf level just before the hour.

Schalke stay ninth while Dusseldorf remain 13th.

In Augsburg, Ji Dong Won scored just before halftime and Sascha Moelders belted in a second for the home side against fellow strugglers Hoffenheim, whose stoppage-time goal from Igor de Camargo came too late.

Augsburg now move above Hoffenheim - who are next up against Bayern - in the relegation zone.

Wolfsburg had defender Alexander Madlung sent off on the half hour for a professional foul in a 1-1 draw at Mainz, while Stuttgart were held by Nuremberg, a 51st-minute goal from Ibrahima Traore cancelled out by Markus Feulner goal for the visitors.

Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt were goalless Friday evening in a match between the sides fifth and fourth. Schalke host Fortuna Dussedldorf in the day's later game.

© Sapa-DPA

Kaka inspires Real to victory

Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain scored late goals as Real Madrid came from behind to win 2-1 at basement team Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Saturday.

 

Real clearly had their minds on the King's Cup semifinal second leg at holders Barcelona on Tuesday, after the opening game finished 1-1, and fielded a weakened side at the Riazor.

It was only after Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira went on as substitutes in the 57th minute that Jose Mourinho's side started to look dangerous and they went on to take their points tally to 52 from 25 games.

Real are 13 points behind leaders Barcelona, who were hosting Sevilla later on Saturday, and one behind second-placed Atletico Madrid who entertain Espanyol on Sunday.

The champions were without the suspended Sergio Ramos and the injured Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Rafael Varane and appeared disjointed in the first half.

A hard-running Depor team, despite five consecutive defeats going into the match, were dangerous on the break and from one such move Riki beat Diego Lopez at his near post with a powerful low drive in the 34th minute.

Real were reeling as Marcelo headed a Pizzi effort off the line, Riki swept a shot past the post and Lopez denied Bruno Gama with a flying save.

After coach Mourinho made his triple substitution, the visitors upped their game and Brazil's Kaka swept in the equaliser with a curling shot from outside the area in the 73rd minute.

Kaka also featured in the second goal, playing Ronaldo into the area and he squared for Argentine striker Higuain to roll the ball home in the 88th minute.

Real finished with 10 men after Angel Di Maria collected two yellow cards in the same incident as he held up a Depor free kick at the end.

VALENCIA COMEBACK

Earlier, Brazilian striker Jonas scored twice as Valencia rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Real Zaragoza and move up to fifth with 41 points.

They are one point behind fourth-placed Malaga who visit Real Betis on Sunday.

Valencia, who trail Paris St Germain 2-1 after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, were undone twice in the first 32 minutes at the Romareda with Portugal striker Helder Postiga causing them all kinds of problems.

Apono netted from the penalty spot after Postiga was brought down in the area in the fifth minute.

Postiga then nodded the second after Apono had fired in a free kick.

The visitors found a lifeline when Jonas turned in Aly Cissokho's low cross in the 36th minute and, as Zaragoza tired, the same player volleyed the ball in at the back post after a free kick was headed across the goal in the 69th.

Valencia then hit the crossbar and Zaragoza had reserve goalkeeper Leo Franco sent off for handling outside the area, leaving youth-team keeper Pablo Alcolea to hold the fort for a tense last 13 minutes.

Struggling Real Mallorca slumped to a 3-1 defeat at home to Getafe despite Giovani Dos Santos's outstanding 24th-minute opener as they conceded three times in the last 20 minutes to stay second from bottom.

© Reuters

United stretch gap, Arsenal win

A thunderbolt from Rafael da Silva set Manchester United on the way to a 2-0 win at bottom club Queens Park Rangers on Saturday that sent Alex Ferguson's side 15 points clear in the Premier League.

The Brazilian right-back struck in the 23rd minute, arrowing a crisp, first-time drive right into the top-left corner from outside the box after Julio Cesar had pushed away a shot from Robin van Persie.

The goal came at a cost for United, however, with top scorer van Persie tumbling into the photographers' pit behind Cesar's goal and sustaining a hip injury that forced him off four minutes before halftime.

The evergreen Ryan Giggs sealed victory in the 80th minute, ghosting onto Nani's through ball and whipping a low shot past the exposed Cesar.

Victory gives United a massive lead at the league summit, ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City's home game with third-place Chelsea on Sunday.

United manager Ferguson sought to play down concerns about van Persie's early exit.

"It's a hip injury, so it might be tender and sore for a few days, but hopefully he'll be all right, particularly for the Real Madrid game (in the Champions League)," he said.

Ferguson also saluted Giggs for helping United to close the game out.

"You have to get that second goal and Ryan Giggs has a great record of scoring here," said the Scot. "He's delivered again – he's an amazing man."

Meanwhile, Arsenal put their recent woes behind them as Santi Cazorla completed a brace with an 85th-minute goal that condemned relegation-threatened Aston Villa to a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Knocked out of the FA Cup by second-tier Blackburn Rovers and soundly beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Arsenal were desperate for a reaction and took a sixth-minute lead when Cazorla drilled home.

Arsene Wenger's men failed to build on their lead, however, and in the 68th minute, Andreas Weimann equalised with a 25-yard shot that squirmed beneath Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Yet more unpleasant headlines beckoned, but with five minutes to play, January signing Nacho Monreal scampered down the left wing and cut the ball back for his Spanish countryman Cazorla to guide a low shot past Brad Guzan.

The result took Arsenal to within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who visit West Ham United on Monday.

"We came out of two massive disappointments and the team were a bit nervous but focused at the start," said Arsenal manager Wenger.

"It's been quite rocky in recent days. It was important to get three points today."

Cazorla's winner also sent Villa into the drop zone and allowed Wigan Athletic to haul themselves out of the bottom three after a potentially crucial 3-0 win at relegation rivals Reading.

A quick-fire brace from Ivorian striker Arouna Kone put Wigan 2-0 up shortly before halftime and Maynor Figueroa added a third early in the second period after a slick one-two with Franco Di Santo.

Reading's misery was complete in the 55th minute when striker Pavel Pogrebnyak was sent off for an ugly lunge on Figueroa.

"The challenge is to stay in the Premier League – it's not an easy one," said Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

"There are 33 points to play for and I do feel it is going to go down to small margins."

Defeat saw Reading slip below Wigan to second-bottom, although Brian McDermott's side are just a point from safety.

Everton lost ground in the race for Champions League football after Norwich City came from behind to win 2-1 at Carrow Road.

Leon Osman headed the visitors in front from Leighton Baines' cross in the 39th minute, but Kei Kamara levelled six minutes from fulltime before Grant Holt lashed in a 94th-minute winner.

On-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku scored in each half – the first a penalty – as West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 at home to Sunderland, who replied through Stephane Sessegnon.

Earlier, a marvellous goal from Dimitar Berbatov gave Fulham a 1-0 win at home to Stoke City that lifted Martin Jol's men to 11th place in the table.

Berbatov lashed a vicious volley into the top-right corner from 15 yards in first-half injury time, while Stoke's Jon Walters saw a penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer after 10 minutes of the second half.

© Sapa - AFP

Yanga 1-0 Azam

Dar es Salaam Young Africans wamezidi kujichmbia kileleni mwa Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara baada ya kuibuka na ushindi wa bao moja kwa bila dhidi ya Azam. Bao pekee la Yanga lilifungwa na Haruna Niyonzima katika dakika ya 31 baada ya kupokea pasi safi toka kwa Jerryson Tegete. Yanga ambao walicheza soka safi na ya kuvutia kipindi cha kwanza wangeweza kupata mabao mengi kama Jerryson Tegete angekuwa makini kwani alipoteza nafasi tatu za wazi. Kipindi cha pili azam walikianza kwa kushambulia wakitafuta bao la kusawazisha lakini golikipa Ally Mustapha Barthez alikuwa imara langoni kuzuia kashikashi zote za John Bocco na Kipre Tchetche. Kwa matokeo hayo sasa Yanga inajitanua kileleni ikiwa na pointi 39 baada ya michezo 17 huku Azam ikibaki na zake 36.

Shaffih Dauda in Sports.: UHAMISHO WA STOPPILA SUNZU READING WAKWAMA - SUNDE...

Shaffih Dauda in Sports.: UHAMISHO WA STOPPILA SUNZU READING WAKWAMA - SUNDE...: It abidi Sunderland wavunje benki ili kuweza kushinda vita ya kugombea saini ya Stoppila Sunzu kutoka klabu ya Congo TP Mazembe.   Sunderl...

Yanga, Azam FC kumenyana leo

VINARA Yanga wanahitaji matokeo mazuri kwenye mchezo wao muhimu wa leo dhidi ya Azam FC ili kujiimarisha zaidi kileleni mwa msimamo wa Ligi Kuu Bara.

Yanga inawakaribisha Azam wanaolingana nao kwa pointi kwenye msimamo katika mechi iliyoteka hisia za mashabiki wengi kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam.

Kila timu ina pointi 36, lakini Yanga ikifaidika kileleni kutokana na tofauti ya mabao ya kufunga na kufungwa dhidi ya Azam inayokuja kwa kasi.

Endapo Yanga itapiga mwereka kwenye mchezo huo, basi itakuwa imeiruhusu Azam kupanda kileleni kwa mara ya kwanza katika mzunguko wa pili.

Mbali na matokeo mazuri yanayowaniwa na kila timu, upande wa pili wa mchezo huo ni Azam kuja na jaribio la kulipa kisasi baada ya mchezo wa kwanza kuogelea na kichapo cha mabao 2-0.

Ni wazi Azam itaingia uwanjani safari hii kwa lengo la kulipa kisasi ingawa Yanga nayo itapigana kuhakikisha inavuna pointi tatu na kuendeleza ubabe wake.

Mashabiki wa soka nao wana hamu ya kujua nani zaidi kati ya viungo mahiri na chipukizi, Salum ‘Sure Boy’Abubakari wa Azam na Frank Domayo wa Yanga.

Wachezaji hao siyo tu tegemeo kwenye klabu zao, lakini pia ni tegemeo kwenye kikosi cha Timu ya Taifa, Taifa Stars. Domayo anayecheza kama kiungo namba nane na Abubakar anayecheza nafasi ya kiungo namba sita, wana sifa zinazoshabihiana wakisifika kwa pasi zenye ‘macho’ na kutopoteza mpira ovyo. Kocha wa Yanga, Ernest Brandts ataendelea kumwamini mshambuliaji “Jerryson Tegete katika kusaka mabao, wakati Kocha wa Azam, Stewart Hall atamtumia John Bocco kwa shughuli kama hiyo.

“Ubingwa wetu uko mikononi mwa Azam ndiyo maana tumejifua kikamilifu ili kuhakikisha tunawafunga na kuweka pengo kubwa baina yetu,” alisema Tegete akizungumzia mchezo huo.

Daktari wa Azam FC, Mwanandi Mwankema amethibitisha kuwa wachezaji Brain Omony na Kipre Balou wapo fiti kuikabili Yanga leo.

Mechi nyingine leo hii ni Prisons iliyopokea kipigo cha bao 1-0 kutoka Simba katikati ya wiki hii dhidi ya Polisi Morogoro Uwanja wa Sokoine, Mbeya.

Mgambo JKT watapepetana na wenzao wa Ruvu Shooting katika pambano litakalorindima kwenye Uwanja wa Mkwakwani jijini Tanga.

MANCHETER CITY VS CHELSEA

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany could miss a fifth successive game with a calf injury. Gareth Barry is a doubt with an ankle problem sustained during last week's FA Cup win over Leeds.

Chelsea are likely to be much-changed from the side that started Thursday's Europa League last-32 tie against Sparta Prague.

Frank Lampard, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Eden Hazard and Demba Ba could all be recalled. 

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Chelsea have won 10 of their 15 Premier League visits to Manchester City but have lost their last three trips.
• Manchester City have won five of their last eight games in all competitions against Chelsea, including August's Charity Shield.

Manchester City

• City have gone three league games without a win (D2, L1) for the first time this season. They last went four matches without victory between September and November 2009 during a run of seven consecutive league draws.
• The 3-1 defeat by Southampton was only the seventh time they have conceded three goals in a Premier League game under Roberto Mancini.
• Nonetheless, they still have the division's best defensive record and have kept an unrivalled 11 clean sheets.
• They have scored 25 goals in the final half hour of Premier League matches this season, more than any other team.
• Carlos Tevez has failed to score in his last eight league appearances.
• Edin Dzeko has scored six goals in his last seven Premier League games.

Chelsea

• Chelsea are vying to earn successive league wins for the first time this year.
• They have earned 25 points from 14 league matches under Rafa Benitez, one point more than Roberto Di Matteo managed from two fewer games in charge.
• The Blues have 49 points, three more than they had at the same stage last season.
• They have been awarded eight penalties in the league this season, more than any other team.
• Frank Lampard will make his 550th league appearance. He has scored 199 goals for Chelsea, three behind Bobby Tambling's club record tally. He has scored in four successive Premier League appearances for the first time since August 2010 and has 11 goals in only 13 league starts this season.
• Juan Mata has been involved in 19 goals (10 goals, nine assists) in 20 league starts for Chelsea this season.

Rafael Benitez says Chelsea can still finish in the top two

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez believes his side can still finish in the Premier League's top two if they can beat Manchester City on Sunday.

The third-placed Blues are currently four points behind defending champions City and just one point in front of fourth-placed Tottenham.

"We have to go there with confidence and if we are close we can fight for being in the top two," said Benitez. 

Chelsea's league finishes since Roman Abramovich's takeover

2003-04: Second
2004-05: Champions
2005-06: Champions
2006-07: Second
2007-08: Second
2008-09: Third
2009-10: Champions
2010-11: Second
2011-12: Sixth

YANGA Vs AZAM KESHO TAIFA

Timu ya Young Africans ambayo inaongoza msimamo wa Ligu Kuu ya Vodacom nchini VPL kwa kuwa na point 36 na mabao 33 ya kufunga na mabao 12 ya kufungwa kesho itashuka katika dimba la Uwanja wa Taifa kupambana na timu ya waoka mikate ya Azam FC katika mchezo wa ligi kuu ya Vodacom.

 

Baada ya kuichapa timu ya African Lyon katika mchezo wake wa mwisho wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom kwa mabao 4-0, watoto wa Jangwani watashuka dimba la uwanja wa Taifa kesho kuhakikisha wanaondoka na point 3 muhimu na kuendeleza wimbi la ushindi mfululizo katika mzunguko wa pili wa Ligi ya Vodacom.

 

Kikosi cha mholanzi Ernest Brandts kimeendelea na mazoezi leo asubuhi katika uwanja wa mbegani pembeni kidogo ya mji wa Bagamoyo huku wachezaji wote wakifanya mazoezi ya mwisho kabla ya mchezo huo utakaofanyika kesho lakini pia wakionekana kuwa wenye morali ya hali ya juu dhidi ya mchezo huo.

 

Kocha Mkuu Ernest mara baada ya mazoezi ya leo asubuhi, amesema kikosi chake kipo tayari kabisa kuwavaa wauza lamba lamba Azam FC siku ya kesho, na katika kambi yao ya siku tatu mjini Bagamoyo imekua ni kambi nzuri na yenye maendeleo mazuri kwa wachezaji wake wote na benchi la ufundi.

 

Azam FC najiua ni timu nzuri, ina wachezaji wazuri lakini hiyo haiwezi kuwa sababu ya kutuzuia sisi kuweza kuondoka na ushindi katika mchezo wa kesho, kwani pamoja na kuwa wao wana timu nzuri ila sisi tuna timu nzuri na bora zaidi kuliko timu yoyote katika ukanda huu wa Afrika Mashariki  'alisema Brandts'

  

Aidha kocha Brandts amesema wachezaji wake wote 26 wako katika hali nzuri, hakuna mchezaji majeruhi hata mmoja katika kambi, na kesho atapata fursa ya kumtumia mchezaji yoyote kati yao katika kuhakikisha anaibuka na ushindi, kwani ameiandaa timu kuhakikisha inaondoka na poniti 3 katika mchezo huo. 

 

Young Africans inahitaji kushinda mchezo wa kesho ili kuendelea kuongoza msimamo wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom ambapo mwishoni iweze kutwaa Ubingwa wa Ligi Kuu 2012/2013.

Arsene Wenger says he has never considered quitting

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he has "not for a second" considered quitting the club this week.

Arsenal's chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals were hit when they lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in the last 16 on Tuesday.

This followed a fifth-round FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship Blackburn.

"We need to be united and strong and not be too destabilised by people who have strong opinions after one game," he said.

Wenger has been under scrutiny this week, with some reports suggesting  that he should consider his future.

Arsenal have not picked up silverware since beating Manchester United on penalties to lift the FA Cup in 2005.

 

Wenger's side were also knocked out of the Capital One Cup by League Two side Bradford in December.

In his news conference, Wenger was asked if he had "felt like throwing in the towel".

He replied: "Never, not one second.

"I have a contract until the end of 2014 and at the moment we are on a short-term plan. I have been here for a long time and have to consider what I want to do. That will be decided in 2014, not before."

It is understood that Wenger's position is not at risk , even if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

The club held their monthly board meeting on Thursday and Wenger says that it was "the usual thing".

"The board meeting speaks about many things and it's about commercial [activities], ticket prices, long-term plans and I make my report as well on the technical side so it was the usual thing."

Arsenal sit fifth in the Premier League, four points adrift of the final Champions League qualification spot, which is currently occupied by neighbours Tottenham.

They face Premier League strugglers Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, looking to avoid a third successive home defeat.

Wenger said: "We are in a position where we cannot afford to drop points. We will go into the game with a huge desire to get out the disappointments we have had.

"Apart from Manchester United, for all the other positions, I feel it's very open. It's just down to us now to continue to be consistent like we have been. We have to focus on continuing to get the points."

Wenger showed some anger in a press conference prior to the Champions League match against Bayern, over reports he was going to be offered a two-year contract extension  by Arsenal.

But on Friday, he said he had since "calmed down" and he joked with journalists, telling one he would beat him in a one-on-one match. 

Azam Show Title Credentials

THE mainland Vodacom Premier League entered its 17th round on Wednesday with title hopefuls Azam once again proving their credentials as strong title contenders after thrashing JKT Ruvu 4-0 that pulled them joint top with Young Africans.

After missing out on the top flight title last season, Azam are back in the hunt for their first ever Premier League title, battling toe-to-toe with Yanga. Wednesday's routine win over JKT Ruvu, their fourth on the trot, took Azam's points tally to 36 this season and Stewart Hall's team for a second time in two weeks enjoy an equal share of top spot with Yanga.

The gap between the two top sides and their closest challengers, defending champions Simba, currently stands at five points. The holders have conceded two draws in their previous four games that has played a significant role in their table position.

While there are still about nine matches to go until the end of the season it probably isn't wise to suggest that the title will be decided between the top two teams. But the question is whether Azam can defy the odds and beat Yanga in the title race. As it stands, only Yanga, who have played a game less and boast a superior goal difference, look the main obstacle towards Azam's quest for the domestic silverware.

As Yanga face Azam at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam for one of the most intriguing matches of the season, no doubt the outcome will be pivotal in deciding who is going to win the league this season. Both teams are riding high at the moment and it will largely depend on who shows up.

But it is definitely that Yanga present an utmost challenge for Azam, who still remember a 2-0 defeat when the two sides met in their first round encounter. Yanga are still favourites in the title race. They have a game on hand, have got experience and know how to finish the race, but Azam have become a force to reckon with in the last few seasons.

Hall hit the jackpot by adding few top players to his squad during the mini-transfer window. Newcomers Brian Umony, Humphrey Mieno, and Joackins Atudo have proved valuable additions in the Azam squad.

They are certainly a team in ascendancy and considering the consistency they have enjoyed since the start of the second round as well as the ruthless goal creating and scoring the team generate, it's hard to overlook their credentials to break up Simba and Yanga's dominance.

The Hall's demolition gang mauled Kagera Sugar 3-1, defeated Toto African 3-1 and whipped Mtibwa Sugar 4-1 in their opening three second round games and went on to record their first victory in a continental tournament following their 3-1 win over El Nasir in a Confederations Cup.

The city tycoons might have missed on the title last time around to Simba, but made a huge step after qualifying for the continental club championship, CAF Confederation Cup at the expense of Yanga. And they are headed for a repeat of that feat this season at the expense of reigning champions, Simba.

In their current form, Azam finally look set to break up Simba and Yanga's hegemony in Premier League. But the litmus test comes in the form of Ernest Brandts' side tomorrow and if they can pass it, who will bet against them going all the way to league glory after six seasons in the top flight football.

Wapson: Barua ya FIFA kwenda TFF.... uchaguzi wasimamishwa.

Wapson: Barua ya FIFA kwenda TFF.... uchaguzi wasimamishwa.

Barua ya FIFA kwenda TFF.... uchaguzi wasimamishwa.

Yanga ndani ya Bagamoyo....

Kikosi cha wachezaji 26 wa timu ya Young Africans kimeingia kambini tangu tarehe 19/02/2013 mchana katika Hoteli ya KIROMO iiliyopo pembeni kidogo mwa mji wa Bagamoyo tayari kwa maandalizi ya mchezo wa ligi Kuu ya Vodacom siku ya jumamosi dhidi ya timu ya Azam FC katika dimba la Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es salaam.

Baada ya kuichapa timu ya African Lyon kwa mabao 4-0 katika mchezo uliochezwa mwishoni mwa wiki, Young Africans itashuka dimbani kuhakikisha inaondoka na ponti zote 3 ambazo zitaifanya iendelee kuongoza msimamo wa ligi kuu ya Vodacom (VPL) na hatimaye kutwaa Ubingwa huo.

Kocha Mkuu wa Yanga mholanzi Ernest Brandts amesema kuwa kikosi chake kipo fit kuelekea mchezo huo wa jumamosi, na anaamini mchezo huo ndio utatoa taswira halisi za msimamo wa ligi kuu ya VPL kuelekea kutwaa Ubingwa.

Namshukuru mwenyezi mungu, kikosi changu kipo katika hali nzuri, wachezaji wote 26 nimekua nao pamoja wakifanya mazoezi kwa nguvu,  wachezaji wote wanaonyesha viwango vya hali ya juu, hali inayonipa fursa ya kupata nafasi ya kumtumia mchezaji yoyote katika mchezo huo 'alisema Brandts'

Young Africans inaongoza  msimamo wa VPL kwa kuwa na pointi 36 huku ikiwa imecheza michezo 16, imeshinda jumla ya michezo 11, imetoka sare michezo mitatu (3) na kupoteza michezo miwili (2) huku ikiwa imefunga jumla ya mabao 33 na kufungwa mabao 12 tu.

Nafasi ya pili inashikiliwa na timu ya Azam FC yenye pointi 33 ikiwa na mabao 27 ya kufunga na ikiwa imefungwa mabao 14 na kesho itashuka dimba la Chamanzi kucheza na timu ya JKT Ruvu katika muendelezo w amichezo ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom.

Katika mchezo huo wa jumamosi  Young Africans inahitaji ushindi ili kuendelea kuongoza msimamo wa Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom pia itakua ni kuendeleza ushindi dhidi ya timu hiyo ya waoka mikate wa Bakhresa kwani michezo miwili ya mwisho watoto wa Jangwani waliibuka na ushindi wa mabao 2-0.

Habari njema kuelekea katika mchezo huo ni kuwa kikosi hakina mchezaji majeruhi hata mmoja hali inayopelekea  kuwa na maandalizi mazuri ya mchezo huo wa jumamosi dhidi ya timu ya Azam FC.