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July 30 2005

It was like a bolt of lightning out of the clear blue sky as Bloemfontein Celtic scored the 91st minute, injury-time goal that sent Premier League champions Kaizer Chiefs tumbling out of the Telkom Charity Cup before 70 000 largely shocked spectators at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The decisive winning goal in a 2-1 Celtic victory, which maintained Chiefs' nightmarish start to the new season, was scored from close-range by Moses Spandeel.

But it was the bustling Zambian striker, Rotson Kilambe, on-loan from Sundowns, who created much of Chiefs' misery by opening the score from the penalty spot in the 13th minute and then causing pandemonium in Amakhosi's defence before the grateful Spandeel - unlike his namesake - led Celtic into the promised land of a place in the final.

A tentative Chiefs, it should be said, were, nevertheless, responsible for much of their ultimate misery, although the mercurial Songwe Chalwe speedily equalised with a sweetly-timed header only 60 seconds after Celtic's goal.

Amakhosi failed to take advantage of a substantial slice of territorial advantage and they squandered some gilt-edged opportunities, particularly in the first half when Celtic were struggling to find their rhythm.

Losing must indeed have been a bitter pill to swallow for new German coach Ernst Middendorp, particularly coming in the wake of uninspiring performances in the recent Vodacom Challenge tournament, which culminated with a comprehensive defeat in the final against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.

Like Sundowns coach, Angel Kappa, in the earlier semifinal, Middendorp appeared to select a line-up with one eye on the final, but unlike The Brazilians' coach, the ploy in this instance back-fired badly.

Chalwe was Chiefs' most lethal and enterprising player and he was unlucky when a sweetly-timed shot struck the crossbar in the 20th minute.

And Celtic supporters held their breath when James Madidilane made a heroic clearance off the goalline in the dying seconds.

Celtic goalkeeper Postnett Omony may have been a little slow off the mark when Chiefs scored, but he delivered the goods later with a couple of sterling saves.

Source: Kaizer Chiefs official Website

 


July 24 2005

Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the annual Vodacom Challenge at a jam-packed Absa Stadium in Durban on Sunday, setting the tone for the coming season. Pirates latest signings, strikers Lelo Mbele and Davis Mwape, scored in the 38th and 72nd minutes respectively while David Radebe gave Chiefs a glimmer of hope when he scored late in extra-time, but it was too late to make a spectacular comeback as Bucs held on to win their second Kudu Horn and R1 million.

Bucs were all over the reigning league champions from the first whistle and exposed their defence when Joseph Makhanya skipped past defender Fabian McCarthy in the first minute and crossed, albeit into the hands of Rowen Fernandez, priming the tone of the game.

Makhanya tormented McCarthy and left-back Bevan Fransman throughout the half but Pirates could not capitalise on his efficiency. On the opposite wing for the Bucs Mokoena had the better of right-back Nhlanlha Kubheka with his swiftness.

The mercurial Amakhosi winger Arthur Zwane tested Bucs defender Onyekachi Onkwonkwo in the seventh minute and left the Nigerian defender, with Edward Malinga, for dead as he ran into the 18-yard-area but Francis Chansa responded quickest to the danger.

Chiefs, lacking a recognised goal poacher, had decent chances with veteran John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu going close in the 27th minute. Fransman made a rare run up the field and delivered a low cross to Moshoeu whose shot was foiled by Malinga.

The SA international then thwarted a likely cross by the 39-year-old playmaker. The resultant corner by Zwane found Moshoeu free in the six-yard area but his header went agonisingly wide.

On the other end Fernandez made a brilliant save in the 28th minute when Mwape ran onto a Mokoena pass in the 18-area. However 10 minutes later Fernandez, and the Chiefs defence, was caught cold when a perfectly weighted ball from Okwonkwo found Mokoena free on the right and he picked out Mbele who shot home first time.

The ‘Happy People’ celebrated wildly and held on to take their slender advantage into the break whereas Gert Schalkwyk came on seconds before for the injured Ntokoza Sikhakane.

The Sea-robbers started the second half with the same enthusiasm while Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp introduced striker Patrick Mayo for the unproductive Lucky Mzizi.

Pirates’ ability to attack in numbers increased while Schalkwyk initially struggled to pull the strings in midfield against a forceful midfield led by Benedict Vilakazi.

three minutes in the half and Mwape chased a through ball which Fernandez beat him to, but the keepers clearance fell to Mokoena who attempted to lob the ball into the net, unfortunately he put too much force in it.

Amakhosi searched for an equalizer frantically but against the watchful couple of Malinga and Tonic Chabalala they struggled painstakingly.

Pirates’ coach decided to replace the industrious duo of Makhanya and Mokoena for Steve Lekoelea and Perry Mutapa respectively. With less than 30 minutes remaining Lekoelea maintained the pressure and created the second goal to the delight of the Pirates fans.

Lekoelea found himself in space on the right and charged towards goal and sent in a dangerous cross that Mwape forced in. Middendorp introduced striker David Radebe for Moshoeu whilst Papic introduced a defensive player, Eddie Dinha, for Mbele.

Fransman sent in an excellent cross to Radebe who made no mistake with one touch to give Amakhosi hope for a comeback. Fernandez, brilliant in goal for Chiefs, stepped up for a free kick with seconds to go but his attempt, unlike his saves, dismal.

Source: Kaizer Chiefs official Website

 


July 17 2005

In a repeat of the last year's final, the battle between Kaizer Chiefs and AS Vita in the Vodacom Challenge had to be settled on penalties with Amakhosi winning 6-5 at Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng on Sunday. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, which means Amakhosi advance to the final to be played at Absa Stadium in Durban next week Sunday.

They will meet the winner of the Orlando Pirates and Green Buffaloes clash.

Playing with their top Collins Mbesuma since retaining the league championship in May, Chiefs never looked like they were up for the challenge.

The home side’s first attempt at goal came in the 6th minute when Arthur Zwane beat his marker on the right and played a low cross into the box towards striker David Radebe, who struggled to connect with the ball and headed wide.

Kaizer Chiefs defence was caught napping in the 23rd minute and allowed the visitors to take the lead through Tshinozola Batshi.

The striker made a well-timed run on the left beating Chiefs offside trap and played inside the box for Batshi to score with an easy tap-in.

The home side had to wait until the 62nd minute to get and equaliser, which was scored by veteran midfielder Shoes Moshoeu.

The winners of the competition will pocket a cool R1 million while the runner-up will take home R500 000.

Source: SuperSport Zone.

Read another coverage on Kaizer Chiefs official Website

 


July 7 2005

"My technical team should share the mentality I have, and the players should also have the same. And I sure Kaizer has the same mentality. It’s all about winning, winning and winning and we must be focused all the time whether it’s a preparation match, league match or cup match. All the players irrespective of who is in the starting eleven should be focused. The players must understand that it’s important to be focused to win if you want to be successful. That’s my philosophy."

Source: Kaizer Chiefs official Website. For more click here

 


July 5 2005

It was business as usual for the Glamour Boys as they returned to training on Monday following a short break with the new coach officially introduced to the players.

All players, with the exception of Thabo Mooki and Collins Mbesuma reported for training at 10:00 and got to shake hands with their new coach Ernst Middendorp along with his German assistant Frank Eulberg and Farouk Khan.

Mooki was down with flu and could not make the first day of training but is expected to join the team sometime this week. Mbesuma is set to undergo a medical with an unidentified club in the UK and is all goes well; he could be lost to Amakhosi. Another obvious absentee, a permanent one at that, was Jabulani Mendu, who has crossed the floor to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Striker Patrick Mayo, who was used mainly as a defender through the season, was also at training despite speculation that he is headed for rivals Orlando Pirates. The spirit was high and the players appeared happy to meet their new coach.

New appointees Thebe Mohatle (communications manager) and assistant brand manager Dara Carroll were also officially introduced to the management team as well as the players and technical team. The two joined Amakhosi on Friday to replace Putro Mafani and Vivian Casaletti respectively.

Source: Kaizer Chiefs official website

 


June 28 2005

Ernst MiddendorpThe Phefeni Glamour Boys and PSL League Champions at the club headquarters brought to an end all speculation and a long wait regarding the announcement of a new coach to take over from Ted Dumitru. The club makes way for a German experience by appointing Ernst Middendorp.

Mr. Middendorp, who’s former coaching jobs include coaching Ghanaian side Asantekotoko Football Club, and Hearts of Oak as well German third division team Gottingen 05, has signed with the mighty Amakhosi. He has had a successful coaching career in Germany, Iran and the African continent.

The new coach, well known for his passion and discipline, when asked about his signing with Kaizer Chiefs said, “Kaizer Chiefs is not only a South African team but also known in Africa and the world at large, I feel it is an honour and a big challenge.”

When asked about what could be expected of him, “It is very important to continue the work that was started last season, as Kaizer Chiefs are the Champions, and the supporters should prepare to win again.”

Kaizer Motaung welcomes Ernst MiddendorpThe German native, whose progress has been closely monitored by Kaizer Chiefs, arrived in South Africa Monday 27 June in time to prepare for the Vodacom Challenge.

Kaizer Chiefs Chairman and Managing Director, Kaizer Motaung said: “We are very happy to welcome Mr. Middendorp into the Kaizer Chiefs fold. We are very impressed with his record and have monitored his progress in Ghana for a while.” “We are aware of the challenges he faces and are confident that he will be able to continue from where his predecessor left off, and I am confident that he will take us to greater heights!” said Mr. Kaizer Motaung.

The new coach also conveyed his understanding of the die-hard support given by the Amakhosi fans; “I know how big the support here is, I think together we can achieve a lot.”

With these words, he dons the Gold and Black colours as Head Coach and brings with him his long time assistant, Mr. Frank Eulberg who will work closely with Mr. Farouk Khan as assistant coaches.

We welcome Mr. Middendorp to the home of Champions, Kaizer Chiefs!

Source: Kaizer Chiefs official website


At the beginning of August 2004 I have taken charge of Iran Tractor Sport & Culture Club Tabriz for the period of the season 2004/2005. The rich in tradition factory club (www.ITM.CO.IR), known as Tractorsazy Tabriz, is playing at present in the Iranian league (Division 1) after relegation in the year 2002. I have been instructed to qualify Tractorsazy Tabriz for the iranian super league at the end of season. After finishing half of the season Tractorsazy Tabriz is one point behind the leader. The second half of the season will begin at 19th December 2004.Tractorsazy Tabriz must finish the season at least in second place.


In the end of July 2004 after qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup 2004 I resigned from my job with Hearts of Oak Accra. My decision to leave Hearts of Oak Accra was not an easy one, but in agreement with Mr. Ato Ahwoi – chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club Ltd considering the finances of the club our programmes were concluded.

 

 


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