Football
Blatter wants to scrap penalties. Man, he’s quite a piece of work. While Blatter calls penalties a ‘tragedy’, for me its just part of the game. For a neutral watching a final especially, it’s the most nerve-wrecking, emotional rollercoaster. Blatter’s comments come right after Chelsea’s win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. His argument is a little sour and hopeless, fearing that the ‘team aspect’ of the game is ruined by the one-on-one challenge. I say, focus on the burning issues of the game: racism and the lack of goal-line technology – these spoil fixtures.
Norwich keeper John Ruddy has been ruled out of the Euros with a broken finger. Ruddy’s replacement will be Jack Butland from Birmingham. While it is a shame for Ruddy to miss England’s campaign, there is no doubt Hart will occupy the gloves as long as possible.
Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has ruled himself out of coaching for a few months. Pep has reiterated his desire to relax from the game and come back recharged and geared up for a new challenge – A Fergie replacement?
Having sacked legend Dalglish, Liverpool are looking for a new man in charge of Anfield. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez who propelled his Wigan side with impeccable form is a hot favourite to land the position. Martinez’s buyout could be around 3million.
Transfer time
Arsenal are holding onto their captain Van Persie by refusing contact with any clubs as the Dutchman ponders his future with the Gunners. Van Persie has refused a contract extension which ends next year as he does not see a probable future with Wenger and Co. Van Persie’s suitors are most likely City and Madrid.
Japanese star Kagawa is looking more likely on a move to Manchester United. Having already had talks with Sir Alex, it seems the future is bright for United’s midfield dilemma. United are also looking at confused, dazzled Lille star Eden Hazard who is also looking at City and Chelsea. Reports also say that United are looking to land Kevin-Prince Boateng for a more attacking mindset next season.
Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen is likely to grab a star move to Spurs over suitors Arsenal. Despite losing out on Champions League football, Vertonghen is eager for English League football and the Spurs backline can be increasingly superior if his move is made.
After six years with Liverpool, Aurelio has moved to Gremio on a one-and-a-half year deal.
Modric is a hot property for many European clubs. United and Chelsea remain the top dogs to land the Spurs man while City and Real also seem interested in the midfield maestro’s talent. Modric is also looking for Champions League football which will make his desire to leave more understandable.
Rugby
Chiefs overcame the Blue Bulls in Hamilton, surging to a 28-22 win. The game was tight and the Chiefs saw a late try to carry the fixture home. The loss cost the Pretoria side a chance to leap Cape Town’s Stormers. With two out of four on tour, Spies describes his feelings as being bittersweet following Chiefs’ last efforts in attack. The Bulls, however, will have a chance to fight back with a tantalising match-up against the Stormers at Loftus next week – surely a test to see who South Africa’s favourite for the Super 15 is.
The coastal derby between Plumtree’s Sharks and Stormers this weekend is also a must-see following some great form from the Durban side in recent weeks. For the Capetonians, a win will see them lie top once more following blistering form in 2012. For the Sharks, a win is necessary if they want a play-off while Allister Coetzee’s men would want a win behind them before grappling with The Bulls next weekend. With Lambie back in the fold, the kicking game should be a testing one!
Boks coach Heynecke Meyer has chosen his 42 for a Bok camp in Durban. This will be the players’ last chance to impress new Bok boss before the final squad meets on June 3rd before a crucial fixture against England on June 9.
Here’s the list:
Forwards (22): Coenie Oosthuizen, Tendai Mtawarira, Dean Greyling, Jannie du Plessis, Pat Cilliers, Werner Kruger, Bismarck du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Flip van der Merwe, Eben Etzebeth, Andries Bekker, Juandré Kruger, Marcell Coetzee, CJ Stander, Heinrich Brüssow, Keegan Daniel, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski, Josh Strauss
Backs (20): Francois Hougaard, Jano Vermaak, Piet van Zyl, Morné Steyn, Pat Lambie, Elton Jantjies, Peter Grant, Wynand Olivier, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Bjorn Basson, JP Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Lwazi Mvovo, Akona Ndungane, Zane Kirchner, Jaco Taute, Joe Pietersen
afterkick 