Bleacher Report - Articles by sam naik

South Africa 2010: Hola Heita!!

sam naik — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:47:33 -0500

As a fellow South African, I am very curious to find out what the world actually knows about South Africa and its football. South Africa will host its first ever Soccer World Cup, and rightfully so, as we are a footballing mad nation.

The South African soccer team, known as Bafana Bafana, will have all eyes on them when the World Cup takes place in their backyard. Bafana Bafana have a team with many stars including Benni McCarthy and Aaaron 'Mbazo' Moekena of Blackburn Rovers, and Steven Pienaar of Everton.

However, despite our number of great players we have failed to play together as a team, and it will be somewhat of a miracle if we pass the first round; however, every person in South Africa will be cheering the boys on.

South Africa is home to football clubs such as Kaiser Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Sundowns, and Maroko Swallows, have any of you heard of them?

For those of you who do not know who they are, well, let's just say they are like the Man United and Liverpools of football in South Africa...although they are not nearly as good as them. They are our bigboys.

For those of you who are planning to come to South Africa to watch the Soccer World Cup, I suggest you get familiar with a few terms that we use in football.

The first being SHIBOBO. This term was made special when Benni McCarthy put the ball through Peter Schmeichels legs in a World Cup game. So, basically, a SHIBOBO is when a player puts the ball through another player's legs

The second and most important term is LADUUUUUMA—which is the term South Africans use when a goal is scored

When one comes to South Africa, he or she has to buy a Vuvuzela...which is a noisy little instrument that all the soccer fans take into the soccer stadiums to create an atmosphere. It's like a plastic horn and goes for about four pounds.

Tourists must also get familiar with the term BRAAI, which is the equivalent for a BBQ, because when in South Africa, you will be having lots of BBQs because the weather is so great.

For those beer lovers, you better get ready for the best beer you have ever tasted in your life: CASTLE LAGER. So, once you enter a stadium order a Castle Lager and you won't go wrong. :)

FINALLY, everybody needs to be familiar with the terms LEKKER, which is the equivalent of nice, and HOLA, which is the equivalent of greeting a person

For all those who are coming to SA for the World Cup, you will have an amazing time, guaranteed. From the lovely weather to the lovely people to the lovely soccer, it will be one tremendous vacation.

HOLA:)

Degen and Dossena: Are They Worthy of Putting on a Liverpool Shirt?

sam naik — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:24:05 -0500

Swiss International Philip Degen and Italy International Andrea Dossena joined Liverpool this summer hoping to solve Liverpools problems at the back.

Degen joined Liverpool on a Bosman while Rafa shelled out around 7 million Pounds for Dossena.

Ever since Rafa joined Liverpool not once have I questioned his decision to buy players, although he has made transfers in the past that were outright horrible.

For all Liverpool fans the '08-'09 season was incredibly exciting as Rafa had made a number of purchases and the inclusion of Robbie Keane made all Liverpool fans weak in the knees.

The most important, however, was to sort out our fullbacks and Benitez looked to sign attacking fullbacks to match the likes of Manchester United who have the pacey Evra and Chelsea who have Ashley Cole.

He opted to sign Andrea Dossena from Udinese who was known for having an attacking approach to the game, and Philip Degen from Bprussia Dortmund also known to attack.

It has been 12 games since the Premier League began and to tell you the truth I have not been impressed with Dossena one bit. Degen, well, he looks like he is an injury prone player.

Dossena looks great going forward but he is not able to come back and defend well and players have been beating him all season. Fabio Aurelio looks like a much better fit in Liverpool's backline and I hope Rafa sees that.

What encouraged me to write this article was after watching our performance against Spurs in the Carling Cup when Rafa gave our second string a chance to prove themselves, I came to the conclusion that our youngsters need to wake up or they will spend the rest of the season warming the bench.

Dossena and Degen's performance against Spurs was absolutely horrible and I really thought Benitez should have played Insua rather than Dossena. Players like Stephen Darby should have been given the nod ahead of a player like Degen.

After the game, it was to no suprise that Degen got injured AGAIN and would be out for another few weeks. His debut for Liverpool was against Crewe and what do you know he got injured again.

I believe Liverpool really need to strengthen their fullbacks as Dossena and Degen are not capable of doing that. That's just my opinion however, and I would like to know what all the Liverpool fans think of Dossena and Degen and whether they are worthy of wearing a Liverpool shirt?

My perfect replacements would be Gareth Bale and Capedevilla, as I believe they would fit perfectly into the Liverpool squad. The only two new players that have impressed me this season has been Robbie Keane and Albert Riera, and I'm holding thumbs that Ngog steps up to the plate

What are your views towards Liverpools fullbacks?

Fernando Torres Named Northwest Footballer of the Year

sam naik — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:48:30 -0500

Fernando Torres, Liverpool's Spanish striker was named Premier League player of the year at the Northwest Football Awards in Manchester last night. Torres told the ECHO: "I am really honoured to win this award but it is down to my manager, my team mates and the fans for the support they have given me since I moved to Liverpool.

"They helped me to settle in so quickly and it is a tribute to them that people outside the club believe I did well enough to deserve this. "The support I have had from the fans has been fantastic and I would like to dedicate this award to them in particular.

Hopefully the next prize we are celebrating will be for the whole club." Torres beat off the challenge of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Everton's Joleon Lescott, and Manchester City's Richard Dunne to the award.

Are Liverpool Suffering More Than They Should?

sam naik — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:01:04 -0400

Liverpool's midfield maestro Xabi Alonso has spoken out on Liverpool's latest comeback. He said that he is thrilled at seeing Liverpool joint top of the Premier League table—but insisted there is work to do if they are to remain among the title chasers.

I for one as a Liverpool supporter totally agree with Alonso. This season has been amazing for the Reds, with the best start they have had for 15 years.

Liverpool are still unbeaten in eight games, with six wins and two draws; this run has seen them to second place-joint leaders with Chelsea on 20 points. However with the quality that Liverpool possess, they should not be coming back almost every game to steal three points.

As a die-hard football supporter I have to say that the way Wigan played they deserved a point from the game. However we have shown tremendous character towards the end of some games this season, which—to be honest—is not a bad thing.

It is amazing to know your team can nick it right at the end no matter what, and after-all, three points are still three points, right? But I have to agree with Xabi that Liverpool need drastic improvement; they should be able to win games comfortably without conceding, as well as scoring loads.

Every Man United supporter I speak to is convinced that Liverpool are not a threat at all to the title race. They believe the only threat to their Premier League crown this season will be from Chelsea.

A positive that I have noticed however is that we are able to score without Fernando Torres; which did not happen alot last season, so I hope this season the goal scoring is going to be more spread out across the team.

That being said I look forward to this weekend's clash against Chelsea...

DO WE DARE TO COME BACK FROM BEHIND AND WIN AT STAMFORD BRIDGE? WE SHALL SEE!!

I believe that if we are to challenge for the 2008/09 Premiership; Liverpool will need to win games much more comfortably.

What do you guys think?

YNWA

Who Will Take the Ballon D'or 2008 Award?

sam naik — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:24:30 -0400

The Ballon D'or award is one of the most prestigious awards a footballer can get his hands on.

Liverpools Fernando Torres says it will be a dream come true to receive this award. He has excelled for his club and country over this past year and would be one of the favourites to take home the coveted award.

However the most likely footballer I predict will take home the Ballon D'or award is none other than Manchester Uniteds Portuguese midfield wizard Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in the 2007-08 season in total with 31 goals coming in the premiership. For a winger to score so many is very prolific and thats why i back him to be the favourite to take home the Ballon D'or.

Ronaldo and Torres face stiff competition from the likes Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Iker Casillas of Real Madrid. Kaka the current holder of the Ballon D'or has backed Messi in picking up this prestigious award.

Who would you back to win the 2008 Ballon D'or award?? Vote Now.

Which Football Player Would You Love To Be For a Day?

sam naik — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:28:40 -0400

I'm sure each and every football fan has thought at least once about what it would be like to be in their favourite footballer's shoes for a day.

We follow football every, the joy, the passion, the admiration for our favourite players.

We feel incredible joy watching our team win a match, our favourite player winning man of the match, we are literally in tears when our team gets kicked out of a cup...have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on the pitch at the time of a historic win?

I would love to know from all you footy fanatics which player you would choose to be for a day and which day specifically?

My choice: Steven Gerrard; The day: May 25th, 2005; Place: ISTANBUL; Occasion: Champions League Final.

The roller-coaster of emotions I felt during the Champions League 2005 final was insane!

During the first half, I was the most depressed boy ever, Second half came and I couldn't be happier...once the game was over, I cried tears of joy as my team staged one of the greatest, if not the greatest comebacks in champions league history.

The reason for me choosing Steven Gerrard is because of the drive he had in the second half—he lifted the entire Liverpool team.

I was most touched after Stevie G had headed in the first of our three goals and as he was running back to his half, he began raising his hands to raise the spirit of the team and Liverpool fans. That sent chills down my spine—it was the most amazing feeling ever, and if I were Gerrard for the day, I would have loved to have done that, too.

The feeling of picking up the Champions League trophy, especially being the Skip, must have been beyond amazing!

That's what I would do if I were Gerrard for the day...which footballer would you choose and what occasion would you choose?

The PSL: South Africa's Football League

sam naik — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:10:46 -0400

So I thought about writing an article about the football league in my country, to inform those who have never heard about the PSL. Our top teams take part in what they call the African Champions league, where all the top clubs in Africa compete, it is just like the Champions League, however the football standard is not as great as it is in Europe.

Here is a little history on South Africas soccer league, the PSL (Premier Soccer League):

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the trading name of the National Soccer League (NSL). It is an Affiliate Member of the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the administrator of professional football in the Republic of South Africa.

The PSL was established in 1996.

Manning Rangers were the first side to be crowned champions of the PSL in 1997 when the Gordon Igesund-coached side stunned all and sundry by winning the title ahead of a number of more fancied opponents.

From 1998 to 2000 the league was dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns, who 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 moved to Cape Town-based Santos, and steered it to win the league title, thus becoming the first coach to win the championship with three different clubs. He then won it again with Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2007-08 season.

The league was reduced from 18 to 16 teams after the end of the 2001-02 season to avoid fixture congestion, causing two teams, Ria Stars and Free State Stars, to be disbanded.

Kaizer Chiefs successfully defended their league title in 2005 after they won the prestigious trophy in 2004 for the first time in a decade.

The 2005-06 season saw Mamelodi Sundowns capturing the title for the fourth time.

The PSL has helped raise the standard of club soccer in South Africa, providing the sport with better media coverage and much-improved revenue through strong sponsorship deals. Sponsors include renowned brands like Nedbank, Telkom, Absa, and official suppliers are Castle, Coca-Cola, and Vodacom.

It has also provided a platform for local players to make their mark and catch the eye of overseas clubs. Norwegian Kjetil Siem is the League's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Players such as Steven Pienaar, who currently plays his football with Everton, started his career in the PSL, as well as Aaron Mokoena and Benni McCarthy—the latter now plays for Blackburn Rovers.

Founder Members
AmaZulu Bloemfontein Celtic Cape Town Spurs Hellenic Jomo Cosmos Kaizer Chiefs Manning Rangers Michau Warriors Moroka Swallows	Orlando Pirates QwaQwa Stars Real Rovers Mamelodi Sundowns Supersport United Umtata Bush Bucks Vaal Professionals Witbank Aces Wits University

Who Will Win the Premier League's Golden Gloves This Season?

sam naik — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:57:05 -0400

Liverpools first choice goalkeeper Jose Reina has picked up the Golden Gloves award for the past three seasons now—who do you think will beat him to the prize this season, or will he maintain his impressive form once again?

Vote now.

Away from Anfield: The Liverpool Spirit is Alive Everywhere

sam naik — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:45:15 -0400

So lately i have been reading alot of Michelle's articles and I always am so interested in the different aspects of football that she writes about. It struck a chord and I realised that since most of us are unlucky not to have ever been to Anfield or we just live on the other side of the world, I was curious to know how you as Liverpool fans celebrate and enjoy Liverpool games on the weekend? Please fill me in on the traditions of your Football weekend.

Well to start let me tell you about my typical footy weekend:

I am from South Africa, I live in the City of Johannesburg and suprisingly we have got a huge number of supporters...which is really nice. The time zone in Johannesburg compared to that of The UK is only an hour so it is really not a problem time wise.

My game day starts by me having a a shower before putting on that delightful Liverpool shirt (ooo how I love the feeling of the Liverpool badge next to my heart). Then I head off with mates to a pub for a couple of pints before heading over to a sports pub called Grand Slam, which is the official spot for Liverpool supporters South Africa.

We all gather an hour before kickoff to enjoy a soccer chat and a pint before viewing the game on big screen. After enjoying a thrilling 90 minutes of football we all sing "You'll Never Walk Alone," whether we are victorious or not, followed by a couple more pints before heading home

On Champions League nights I'm mostly at home so I enjoy the footy in my room under my Liverpool blanket cheering on my team...I share my room with my brother a huge Man U supporter, so you can just imagine the conflict that takes place in that room.

On my half side of the room the wall is covered with a huge Liverpool flag with a sign saying "This is Anfield," and as you move to the left you see a huge Man U flag sign saying the Theatre of Dreams. Yeah, my room looks crazy but alas I enjoy the conflict with my brother that is why Man U vs Liverpool games are so special to me.

This year i was glad to be on the winning team because boy it has been a long time. Anyway thats my little experience of football in Johannesburg...Sam style

I'd love to hear what your typical football weekend is like

Liverpool's greatest comeback

sam naik — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:16:53 -0400

Ever since Rafa Benitez joined Liverpool in 2004, his team has earned the reputation as comeback kings.

What would you say is Liverpool's Greatest comeback?

Istanbul might seem the obvious choice, but who could forget the Steven Gerrard final when we completed the most dramatic FA Cup comeback in history?

Or how about Olympiacos, when Liverpool came from 1-0 down to win by two clear goals and progress to the Champions League knockout stages? Perhaps our latest victory over City tops the lot for you?

Vote now on the poll because I'm very curious to see what Liverpool fans think is the greatest comeback.

10 Hilarious Jokes About Manchester United

sam naik — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:35:20 -0400

This article is just a response to "the Liverpool jokes" article that was put up. Here are 10 of my favourite Manchester United jokes, especially for all my Mancunian comrades.

10) Manchester United have apparently set up a call centre for fans who are troubled by their current form.

The number is 0800 10 10 10.

Calls charged at peak rate for overseas users.

Once again the number is

0800 won nothing won nothing won nothing.

9) Q: Did you hear that the Post Office just recalled their latest stamps?
A: They had pictures of Manchester United Players on them...and people couldn't figure out which side to spit on.

8) Q: What do Manchester United Fans and sperm have in common?
A: One in 3,000,000 has a chance of becoming a human being.

7) Q: What have Man Utd and a three-pin plug got in common?
A: They're both of bugger-all use in Europe.

6) A van driver used to amuse himself by running over every Manchester United fan he would see strutting down the side of the road, dressed in their ubiquitous red colours. He would swerve to hit them and there would be a loud "THUMP" and then he would swerve back on the road.

One day, as the driver was driving along, he saw a priest hitchhiking. He thought he would do a good turn and pulled the van over. He asked the Priest, "Where are you going, Father?"

"I'm going to say mass at St. Joseph's church, about two miles down the road," replied the priest.

"No problem Father! I'll give you a lift. Climb in!"

The happy priest climbed into the passenger seat and the van continued down the road. Suddenly the driver saw a Manchester United fan walking down the road and instinctively swerved to hit him. But, just in time, he remembered the bloody priest, so at the last minute he swerved back to the road, narrowly missing the man.

However even though he was certain he missed the glory-hunting shite, he still heard a loud "THUD." Not understanding where the noise came from, he glanced in his mirrors and when he didn't see anything he turned to the priest and said

"I'm sorry Father, I almost hit that Manchester United fan,"

"That's okay," replied the priest. "I got the f***er with the door!"

5) Q: What's the difference between a Man-U fan and a vibrator?
A: A Man U fan is a real dick.

4) Q: What has Old Trafford on a Saturday afternoon at 4:45 pm got in common with Wormwood Scrubs Prison?
A: They are both full of cockneys trying to get out.

3) Q: What do Manchester fans use as birth control?
A: Their personalities.

2) A Man Utd fan dies on match day and goes to heaven in his Man Utd shirt. He knocks on the old pearly gates and out walks St. Peter in a Arsenal scarf.

"Hello mate," says St. Peter, "I'm sorry, no Man Utd fans in heaven."
"What?" Exclaims the man, astonished.
"You heard, no Man Utd fans."
"But, but, but, I've been a good man," replies the Man Utd supporter.
"Oh really," says St. Peter. "What have you done, then?"
"Well," said the guy, "Three weeks before I died, I gave 10 pounds to the starving children in Africa."
"Oh," says St. Peter. "Anything else?"
"Well, two weeks before I died I also gave 10 pounds to the homeless."
"Hmmm. Anything else?"
"Yeah. A week before I died I gave 10 pounds to the Albanian orphans."
"Okay," said St. Peter, "You wait here a minute while I have a word with the governor."
Ten minutes pass before St. Peter returns. He looks the bloke in the eye and says, "I've had a word with God and he agrees with me. Here's your thirty quid back, now screw off."

1) Top tip for Manchester United fans: don't waste money on expensive new kits every season. Simply strap a large inflatable penis to your forehead, and everyone will immediately know which team you support.

I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

The Blonde Bombshell: Liverpool's Unsung Hero

sam naik — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:09:29 -0400

When Dirk Kuyt arrived on Merseyside in the summer of 2006, the Liverpool fans had high expectations of him, expecting him to fill the boots of the likes of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, as he was known to be a clinical finisher in front of goal.

Known as the "Blonde Bombshell", Kuyt scored an impressive 36 goals with his previous club Feyenoord, making him the country's top scorer.

Kuyt signed for Liverpool on August 18, 2006 and left Feyenoord with a record of 83 goals in 122 appearances. The new boy made his debut as a substitute against West Ham, and although he didn't score, the lad put on a performance that got the nod of approval from the Kop.

Kuyt's first season at Anfield was seen as a success, but many fans argued that Dirk Kuyt lacked the creativity and togetherness of a top striker. The lack of goals for Liverpool seemed to put him out of favour with the fans, however Rafa Benitez had always shown faith in him, and was re-payed when he found a new and improved position for Kuyt that showed his selflessness and versatility on the pitch.

Kuyt was deployed as a right winger by Rafa and this proved to be a fantastic move as Kuyt proved to be one of the most hardworking attackers in the game. With the arrival of Fernando Torres, a proven goalscorer, pressure was taken of Kuyt to score goals as he could focus on his new position.

His hard work on the right wing did not go unnoticed, as Holland coach Marco Van Baaasten began deploying him in the same position as he had noticed the incredible change in Kuyt's game.

With big names such as Torres, Gerrard, and Keane in the Liverpool squad, many times a performance such as Dirk Kuyt's goes unnoticed. Kuyt has scored many priceless goals, such as the goals against Marseille, Inter Milan, and Arsenal that helped the Reds reach another Champions League semifinal.

The 2008-09 season has seen Dirk Kuyt score when it has most mattered yet again, netting a crucial winner against Standard Liege in the Champions League qualifiers.

Overall, Dirk Kuyt's performance has been more than pleasing at Liverpool, a workhorse with a knack for scoring in the most crucial games. I believe Kuyt's performances will just go from strength to strength, as he has found a position perfectly suited for him.