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Fergie tips two-team title tussle


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Updated Feb 26, 2011 6:46 AM ET
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed the Premier League title is now a straight fight between Manchester United and Arsenal.
If United overcome Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday, their advantage over Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea will stretch into double figures.
Sat., Feb. 26​
Aston Villa vs. Blackburn
Everton vs. Sunderland
Newcastle vs. Bolton
Wigan vs. Man Utd
Wolves vs. Blackpool
Sun., Feb. 27​
West Ham vs. Liverpool
Man City vs. Fulham
Mon., Feb. 28​
Stoke City vs. West Brom
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With only 11 games of the season remaining, it would give any of that trio a virtually impossible task to claw their way back into it.
Even Chelsea, who have yet to play United this term, would only be able to claw six of the 15 points back if they were to emulate last term's achievement and record a league double.
The odds are stacked against them all, leaving Ferguson to conclude that what had looked like a five-team fight for glory a matter of weeks ago, will now be between two.
"Either Arsenal or ourselves will win it," declared the United boss. "Normally two teams break away.
"At particular moments in the season, it looks good as has been the case for the last few years.
"But all of a sudden, as you come towards to the end, there are always two teams. That is the way it is looking at the moment."
Chelsea skipper John Terry did try to exert some pressure on United earlier this week by wondering whether they would buckle under the pressure.
As he spoke the words, Terry must have known he was attempting to place a question mark over the most experienced team in the league; the one least likely to crumble in the latter stages.
"You try things. We all try things," said Ferguson. "But it won't be easy to come back from that kind of points deficit.
"I said some time ago, the team that is most consistent would win the league. That is why I stress that we have to keep our momentum going and get that consistency."
What Ferguson does recognise is that Chelsea are tough opponents, whether they are challenging for top spot or not, which is why Tuesday's meeting between the pair could prove so crucial.
"In the last few years whenever United have gone to Chelsea it's been in terms of one of us winning the title," he said.
"There is always going to be a motivation from both teams. It is a big game."
On a wider level, Ferguson is aware United must quickly remedy the faults which have contributed to a below-par points return away from Old Trafford, where they have dropped just two all season.
In contrast, three away wins is a meagre total for a club of the Red Devils' ambition.
Mon., Feb. 28​
AC Milan vs. Napoli
Tue., Mar. 1​
Chelsea vs. Manchester United
Man City vs. Fulham
Wed., Mar. 2​
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Arsenal vs. Sunderland
Manchester City vs. Wigan
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Inter Milan vs. Genoa
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During the campaign's early stages, victory was tossed away at Fulham and Everton by the concession of late goals, whilst at Wolves earlier this month, a 29-match unbeaten run disappeared against the league's bottom club.
As visits to Wigan and Chelsea are followed by the usual epic with Liverpool at Anfield, Ferguson is acutely aware that if United still only have three away wins to their name by that point, they will be in trouble.
"Our away form has not been as good as it normally is," admitted Ferguson.
"I suppose that is the test given we have these three away games now.
"You could say we have thrown points away at Everton and Fulham and that our record at Chelsea over the last few years has been poor.
"We have to do something about that. But tomorrow is the most important one. We need to concentrate on that and get the result we want."
Of the seven senior players who missed Wednesday's drab draw in Marseille, only two, Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs, are in contention to return this weekend.
For Owen the news is particularly bright given the early feeling on a groin injury that forced him out of training a fortnight ago was that it could wreck his season and, effectively, his United career.
Central defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans are pencilled in to return at Anfield, meaning in-form Chris Smalling will keep his place in the Stamford Bridge hot-house after another outstanding display in Marseille.
Indeed, there are some who feel the 20-year-old would be unlucky to lose his place when Ferdinand does eventually return. Ferguson does not share that view.
"Chris has done fantastically. But he is only 20," said the United boss.
"With Rio's experience, if he is fit and is ready for Liverpool, I would definitely play him. I am sure Chris would understand that."
 

Wigan Athletic v Manchester United, Saturday 26 February, 3pm kick-off

Sir Alex Ferguson rules Manchester City out of the title race

• 'I think Arsenal or ourselves will win it,' says Ferguson
• Manchester United face three away games in nine days





  • Daniel Taylor
  • The Guardian, Saturday 26 February 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    Sir-Alex-Ferguson-007.jpg
    Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League title race is down to Manchester United and Arsenal. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images
    Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Manchester City out of the Premier League title race for the first time after declaring it is now a straight two-horse race between Manchester United and Arsenal.
    Ferguson has concluded Arsène Wenger's side are the only serious threat to United's hopes of winning a record 19th league championship, and that there is no capacity for City to haul back an eight-point deficit, particularly as Roberto Mancini's side have played a game more.
    The front two have broken clear of City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, with United hoping to capitalise on Arsenal's involvement in the Carling Cup to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points by maintaining their immaculate winning record against Wigan Athletic.
    "I think Arsenal or ourselves will win it," he said. "What I said earlier in the season was that normally two teams break away. You come towards the end of the season and it always seems to come down to two teams and that's the way it's looking now."
    It is only a few weeks since Ferguson said there were five clubs with genuine title aspirations, insisting that the possibility of a Chelsea recovery could not be discounted. His shift in thinking seems to stem from winning the Manchester derby a fortnight ago and Chelsea's home defeat to Liverpool. With only one league defeat all season, United can move 15 points clear of Carlo Ancelotti's side by winning at Wigan &#8211; a 25-point swing since September &#8211; and Ferguson quickly dismissed John Terry's suggestion that the 18-times champions may yet buckle.
    "You try things. We all try things. But it won't be easy to come back from that kind of points deficit. I said some time ago that the most consistent team would win the league."
    United's manager is frustrated that his team have won only three away games in the league when they have such a formidable home record, with only two points dropped throughout the campaign. After the trip to Wigan the next assignment is a game at Chelsea on Tuesday and then Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
    "Our away form has not been as good as it normally is. That's the acid test, I suppose. We've got these three away games now. It's difficult to say why it's been this way but our record at Chelsea recently has been poor and we have to do something about that. That's what Tuesday is about but, first, we have to focus all our attention on a Wigan side that play very good football."
    Rio Ferdinand is targeting the trip to Liverpool for his comeback from a calf injury. "Chris Smalling has been fantastic but he is only 20 and, going to Liverpool, if Rio is fit and ready I will definitely play him," Ferguson said. Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen should both return to the squad for the Wigan match. Ferguson was asked about Owen Hargreaves's fitness and replied: "I'm not getting into that."

 

Wigan Athletic v Manchester United, Saturday 26 February, 3pm kick-off

Sir Alex Ferguson rules Manchester City out of the title race

• 'I think Arsenal or ourselves will win it,' says Ferguson
• Manchester United face three away games in nine days





  • Daniel Taylor
  • The Guardian, Saturday 26 February 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    Sir-Alex-Ferguson-007.jpg
    Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League title race is down to Manchester United and Arsenal. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images
    Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled Manchester City out of the Premier League title race for the first time after declaring it is now a straight two-horse race between Manchester United and Arsenal.
    Ferguson has concluded Arsène Wenger's side are the only serious threat to United's hopes of winning a record 19th league championship, and that there is no capacity for City to haul back an eight-point deficit, particularly as Roberto Mancini's side have played a game more.
    The front two have broken clear of City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, with United hoping to capitalise on Arsenal's involvement in the Carling Cup to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points by maintaining their immaculate winning record against Wigan Athletic.
    "I think Arsenal or ourselves will win it," he said. "What I said earlier in the season was that normally two teams break away. You come towards the end of the season and it always seems to come down to two teams and that's the way it's looking now."
    It is only a few weeks since Ferguson said there were five clubs with genuine title aspirations, insisting that the possibility of a Chelsea recovery could not be discounted. His shift in thinking seems to stem from winning the Manchester derby a fortnight ago and Chelsea's home defeat to Liverpool. With only one league defeat all season, United can move 15 points clear of Carlo Ancelotti's side by winning at Wigan – a 25-point swing since September – and Ferguson quickly dismissed John Terry's suggestion that the 18-times champions may yet buckle.
    "You try things. We all try things. But it won't be easy to come back from that kind of points deficit. I said some time ago that the most consistent team would win the league."
    United's manager is frustrated that his team have won only three away games in the league when they have such a formidable home record, with only two points dropped throughout the campaign. After the trip to Wigan the next assignment is a game at Chelsea on Tuesday and then Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
    "Our away form has not been as good as it normally is. That's the acid test, I suppose. We've got these three away games now. It's difficult to say why it's been this way but our record at Chelsea recently has been poor and we have to do something about that. That's what Tuesday is about but, first, we have to focus all our attention on a Wigan side that play very good football."
    Rio Ferdinand is targeting the trip to Liverpool for his comeback from a calf injury. "Chris Smalling has been fantastic but he is only 20 and, going to Liverpool, if Rio is fit and ready I will definitely play him," Ferguson said. Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen should both return to the squad for the Wigan match. Ferguson was asked about Owen Hargreaves's fitness and replied: "I'm not getting into that."

 
Carling Cup final, Sunday 27 February, kick-off 4pm

Carling Cup final: Arsenal eye end to winless run against Birmingham

&#8226; Wenger: Arsenal are ready to win first trophy since 2005
&#8226; We are now much stronger mentally, says Fábregas





  • Dominic Fifield
  • The Guardian, Saturday 26 February 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    Arsene-Wenger-arsenal-007.jpg
    Arsène Wenger has not won a trophy in nearly six years - the longest barren spell in a 27-year managerial career. Photograph: David Davies/PA For Arsenal, the drought may soon be over. It is almost six years since Patrick Vieira hoisted aloft the FA Cup on the podium at the Millennium Stadium and a squad still infused with the spirit of the Invincibles of the previous season celebrated the seventh major honour of Arsène Wenger's tenure as deflated Manchester United players skulked from the turf.
    That drab and goalless occasion might be more easily forgettable had the trophy cupboard not remained bare ever since. Back then there was an assumption that this club would claim silverware regularly. On Friday Wenger spoke of "a weight" pressing down on his team but, against Birmingham City at an expectant Wembley, his side can be liberated.
    There is an irony that it is the Carling Cup, a competition that Wenger has always treated with a measure of disdain despite his team's excellent record in reaching the latter stages, which the Frenchman now hopes will provide a catalyst for more significant prizes. Only last year, when reflecting upon Aston Villa's appearance in the final against United, the Arsenal manager had risked riling Martin O'Neill. "If you win the League Cup," he had said, "for me you cannot say you win 'trophies'."
    That outlook has been tempered &#8211; Wenger recognises this club needs to remind itself how to win &#8211; though he is consistent in his attitude towards the Carling Cup's long-term significance. Victory will be a springboard to further successes, not the culmination of a season's work even if the longest trophyless run of his 27-year managerial career is ended. Arsenal are competing on four fronts and, should they lose against Birmingham but win any of the other three, they would end more satisfied.
    "It's not the main trophy," Wenger said. "The most important are the championship and the Champions League. Then the FA Cup and, only then, the Carling Cup. But to win a trophy would give us a lift. It's true that winning it will mean we no longer have to answer that question 'are we able to win trophies?', but I'd still argue that the most difficult thing to achieve is consistency at the top. The proof of that is that only two clubs have been able to finish in the top four for each of the last 12 years: us and United. But winning this trophy will convince my team that they can deliver more."
    They have come close before. The Carling Cup may have been considered primarily an opportunity to blood bright young things, but Arsenal have been quarter-finalists at the least every year since 2003. That is a measure of the power of their youth ranks. Wenger considered the lesser domestic cup "a revelation" for developing his players but, this year, for the first time perhaps since the latter days of the Invincibles, Arsenal's squad appears to boast real depth. Their selections no longer feel weakened.
    The whole level of squad quality has been raised: fringe players can be expected to excel, youth-team graduates are now first-team regulars. Jack Wilshere, Nicklas Bendtner, Alex Song and Johan Djourou all began the eye-catching 6-0 dismissal of Sheffield United in the third round in September 2008. All will start at Wembley. Cesc Fábregas, too, first made an impact in this competition. "The League Cup gave them their first taste of a big game, and they won't forget that," Wenger said.
    If that provides the players with special motivation, then the management, too, has recognised the value of claiming the trophy for the first time since 1993. Wenger may not be comfortable lingering on the period without silverware, but he does not rest on past successes either. He claims not to remember where any of the winners' medals accumulated over a glittering managerial career have been stored. "I'm a futurist, I'm not nostalgic," he said. "I don't collect anything. Some must be in a cupboard somewhere."
    But, while his side may have been growing steadily, they have too often stumbled at the last. The psychological impact of success on Sunday is clear with their determination to succeed in the Carling Cup apparently set in stone at the start of the campaign. "This season the boss really wanted to go for it because this team needs some sort of mental boost, or mental unblocking, that can come from winning a trophy," Fábregas said. "As soon as we win something together, we will realise we can really go on and win more."
    The Spaniard, the only current Arsenal player who featured in that final in 2005 but absent on Sunday, is a World Cup winner. For most in this squad, first-team success of any kind has been elusive. The only trophy of Bacary Sagna's career to date remains the 2005 French Cup. "Just when we were close to winning something at Arsenal, we'd get scared," he said. "We'd stop playing. We have not reacted in the right way, but now we can look forward. This game is a chance to show everyone we can win things. We have got wiser and have learned from our mistakes and our problems. We are ready. We were scared, but we are not any more."
    That resolve will be tested by Birmingham yet, regardless of Arsenal's ability to return from a mini-wilderness, Wenger will remain focused on greater prizes. There will be no open top bus rides through Islington on Monday if victorious, with the squad due to begin preparations for the FA Cup fifth-round replay against Leyton Orient. "This job turns you forward," added Wenger. "When you go to bed at night, do you look back at the good moments you've had in your life, or do you look forward at what you want to do in the future? I'm more about what's happening tomorrow." So often the world has been told this team is crammed with natural-born winners. Now they can prove it.

 
Carling Cup final, Sunday 27 February, kick-off 4pm

Arsenal's evolution: six years on, have they found a winning formula?

Since winning the FA Cup in 2005, Arsène Wenger has struggled to find the players to emulate his last successful side



  • Arsenals-Patrick-Vieira-l-007.jpg
    Patrick Vieira lifts the FA Cup after Arsenal's 2005 final win over Manchester United, the last time the club won a trophy. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Goalkeeper

    Jens Lehmann's finest two hours for Arsenal came during their last trophy win. Impenetrable in the 2005 FA Cup final against Manchester United, he saved the decisive penalty from Paul Scholes in the shoot-out. It felt like a cathartic moment for him at the end of a season when his pride was pierced by the ignominy of being dropped for Manuel Almunia. The German refused to accept that the reserve he barely deigned to talk to could ever be a better keeper than him. As it turned out, over the past few seasons Almunia has strained to cope with the responsibility of being No1.
    It is bizarre that a club of Arsenal's stature should muddle through in such a critical position for so long, with Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski taking turns to have the jitters for the most part. This season has seen the cream rise to the top. Circumstances have elevated Wojciech Szczesny and Emirates regulars are still enjoying the novelty of seeing a cocksure, authoritative goalkeeper between the posts. The 20-year-old has made a vital difference.
    Defence

    Having proved that he can construct a miserly defence in the undefeated league season of 2003-04, Wenger has found it enormously tricky to replicate the feat. In 2005 the back four contained experienced players who have always taken it as an affront to concede a goal: Lauren, Sol Campbell, Kolo Touré, Ashley Cole. But there was a hint of problems to come with the lack of reliable cover at centre-back. Philippe Senderos never quite won the faith of the manager, while Pascal Cygan always looked like something of an aberration in the Wenger masterplan.
    It has not been easy to unearth quality in that position. The manager once mused that you don't just pick up a great centre-back at the supermarket. Indeed. Even seasoned internationals couldn't quite fit the bill. Mikaël Silvestre was unconvincing, William Gallas suffered when he was given the captaincy, Campbell returned for a cameo and Sébastien Squillaci has been error-prone. Wenger has been more successful with slightly more expensive shopping. Thomas Vermaelen was the new bedrock until injury removed him for the bulk of this campaign. Laurent Koscielny shows promise. The key to recent solidity, though, has been a youth product who is flourishing at last in Johan Djourou.
    Midfield

    In reaching the 2006 Champions League final Wenger found a fine balance in the heart of his Arsenal team: Gilberto Silva anchored diligently, Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb probed energetically, a young Cesc Fábregas provided the vision, Mathieu Flamini the crackle, and Robert Pires was on hand to lend finesse. The premature departures of Gilberto and Flamini were a problem for a while, exacerbated when Lassana Diarra came and went with unseemly haste, but the emergence of Alex Song has fixed that.
    Samir Nasri has grown into a worthy successor to Pires, Fábregas has become ever more influential, and together with Andrey Arshavin the midfield is a rich source of goals as well as pretty possession once more. Hleb was a rarity anywhere near the scoresheet. And then there is Jack Wilshere. The prodigy has fast become a thrilling member of the establishment, and he has his place for keeps at the expense of older players who have had to move to the fringe in Abou Diaby and Denílson. People forget that Diaby suffered the same kind of injury as Aaron Ramsey at a similar age. He has never quite been the player he was expected to blossom into, and must wait to see how fully Ramsey can overcome his setback.
    Attack

    The tactical curiosity of the 2005 FA Cup final is that the veteran Dennis Bergkamp foraged up front as a lone striker. The strategy was quirkily unusual for Wenger's Arsenal. It was a sign of how desperate they were to avoid defeat to Manchester United. Thierry Henry was out injured, and the manager was not confident of outscoring opponents who had the beating of them that season. Of course, the issue of a long-term replacement for Henry had been rumbling along, as each summer the heavyweight suitors flashed their cash around Highbury.
    Robin van Persie and José Antonio Reyes were the main contenders brought in young with a view to taking over up front eventually. Reyes was an expensive disappointment, while Van Persie's career has been punctuated by such repetitive injuries he has earned the soubriquet "glass ankles". This season, having recovered from his latest spell in the treatment room, Van Persie has come back in fine style. For very different reasons Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor came and went but ended up cult hero and cult villain respectively. Van Persie now has two big men (Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh) and a speed merchant (Theo Walcott) for company, who have 27 goals between them this season. Van Persie has 12 from 12 starts.

 
Carling Cup final, Sunday 27 February, kick-off 4pm

Cesc Fábregas could still lift the Carling Cup for Arsenal at Wembley

&#8226; Injured skipper may be allowed to accept trophy if Gunners win
&#8226; Robin van Persie will captain the side against Birmingham





  • Dominic Fifield
  • The Guardian, Saturday 26 February 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    Cesc-Fabregas-Arsenal-007.jpg
    Arsenal captain Cesc Fábregas will miss Sunday's final, but may be allowed to collect the trophy from the Royal Box. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images Cesc Fábregas could yet lift the Carling Cup at Wembley despite missing Sunday's final through injury, with Arsenal considering a request to asking the Football League to allow him to ascend to the royal box to accept the trophy if they defeat Birmingham.
    The Arsenal captain only discovered he had been ruled out of the match at Wembley when informed that the club's official website was carrying quotes from Arsène Wenger on Thursday evening confirming he would not be considered after sustaining a hamstring injury in Wednesday's victory over Stoke. The manager met his captain on Friday and Fábregas accepted that his non-involvement is the best course of action.
    That will deny him an opportunity to add to the winner's medal earned in the 2005 FA Cup final, yet Arsenal will consider asking the League to permit Fabregas to lead his team up the steps to collect the trophy should his team prevail. The injured Jamie Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in 2001 along with Robbie Fowler and Sami Hyypia, with a similar arrangement possible on Sunday.
    Wenger said the midfielder was "disappointed" to miss out on the team's chance to claim a first trophy in six years. "But his disappointment is diminished by the fact that we have other main targets after this game, like the championship, the Champions League and the FA Cup," said the manager, whose priority will be to have Fábregas fit for the European Cup return leg in Barcelona on 8 March. "If he played this match, he could damage his participation in all the other targets we have."Even if this was the last game of the season, I don't think he would play.' You're asking me whether he could play with the injury he has? Certainly not at 100%. And he could make the damage much worse and be out for three, four, five weeks maybe. The injury is a small one and it's important he's not out for longer."
    Robin van Persie, recovered from a minor hamstring complaint, will lead the side in the Spaniard's absence with Wenger confirming that Theo Walcott is "very unlikely" to be fit for the match at the Camp Nou next month after suffering a sprained ankle against Stoke. "I imagine the worst, so maybe I'll be surprised," he added. "But I would say that, today, it would be very unlikely that he will be fit for the Barcelona game.

 
Carling Cup final, Sunday 27 February, kick-off 4pm

Cesc Fábregas could still lift the Carling Cup for Arsenal at Wembley

• Injured skipper may be allowed to accept trophy if Gunners win
• Robin van Persie will captain the side against Birmingham





  • Dominic Fifield
  • The Guardian, Saturday 26 February 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    Cesc-Fabregas-Arsenal-007.jpg
    Arsenal captain Cesc Fábregas will miss Sunday's final, but may be allowed to collect the trophy from the Royal Box. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images Cesc Fábregas could yet lift the Carling Cup at Wembley despite missing Sunday's final through injury, with Arsenal considering a request to asking the Football League to allow him to ascend to the royal box to accept the trophy if they defeat Birmingham.
    The Arsenal captain only discovered he had been ruled out of the match at Wembley when informed that the club's official website was carrying quotes from Arsène Wenger on Thursday evening confirming he would not be considered after sustaining a hamstring injury in Wednesday's victory over Stoke. The manager met his captain on Friday and Fábregas accepted that his non-involvement is the best course of action.
    That will deny him an opportunity to add to the winner's medal earned in the 2005 FA Cup final, yet Arsenal will consider asking the League to permit Fabregas to lead his team up the steps to collect the trophy should his team prevail. The injured Jamie Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in 2001 along with Robbie Fowler and Sami Hyypia, with a similar arrangement possible on Sunday.
    Wenger said the midfielder was "disappointed" to miss out on the team's chance to claim a first trophy in six years. "But his disappointment is diminished by the fact that we have other main targets after this game, like the championship, the Champions League and the FA Cup," said the manager, whose priority will be to have Fábregas fit for the European Cup return leg in Barcelona on 8 March. "If he played this match, he could damage his participation in all the other targets we have."Even if this was the last game of the season, I don't think he would play.' You're asking me whether he could play with the injury he has? Certainly not at 100%. And he could make the damage much worse and be out for three, four, five weeks maybe. The injury is a small one and it's important he's not out for longer."
    Robin van Persie, recovered from a minor hamstring complaint, will lead the side in the Spaniard's absence with Wenger confirming that Theo Walcott is "very unlikely" to be fit for the match at the Camp Nou next month after suffering a sprained ankle against Stoke. "I imagine the worst, so maybe I'll be surprised," he added. "But I would say that, today, it would be very unlikely that he will be fit for the Barcelona game.

 
Carling Cup final, Sunday 27 February, kick-off 4pm

Alex McLeish relishes underdogs tag as Birmingham aim to shock Arsenal

&#8226; Wembley win would be 'huge milestone' for City manager
&#8226; 'It's a game of football &#8211; so we definitely have a chance'





  • Stuart James
  • guardian.co.uk, Friday 25 February 2011 22.30 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Alex-McLeish-007.jpg
    Alex McLeish won seven trophies in five years at Rangers but says victory on Sunday would equal those achievements. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Alex McLeish won five domestic cups and two Scottish Premier League titles during the five years he spent in charge of Rangers but the Birmingham City manager believes that lifting the Carling Cup would represent a "huge milestone" in his career.
    McLeish takes his team into Sunday's final against Arsenal knowing that few people give Birmingham a chance of picking up their first major trophy since they won the same competition in 1963. Arsenal have defeated Birmingham twice in the league this season, including an emphatic 3-0 victory at St Andrew's in January, and, on paper, have much the stronger side, even allowing for the injuries that have ruled out Cesc Fábregas and Theo Walcott.
    Yet McLeish refuses to subscribe to the notion that the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The 52-year-old won five of the six cup finals he reached as a manager in Scotland with Hibernian and Rangers, and is hopeful that his first experience of a showcase occasion in English football can deliver another winner's medal to add to his collection.
    "I've got to believe [we can win] otherwise there's no point turning up," McLeish said. "Arsenal have not won a trophy in five years, there's a lot of pressure on them to do that, they've got a tough schedule ahead of them, but we've come through a tough schedule as well.
    "I see someone saying that it wouldn't be a major trophy for Arsenal to win this but it would certainly be a major trophy for us, Birmingham, a small club. So, relatively, this is going to up there with all the great achievements if we can win this.
    "It was a while ago since I had my hands on silverware. I don't think anybody would have expected us to have a chance at Birmingham to do that but you've got to believe every day you wake up that you can win, whether it's a cup final or just another game, and we have a lot of experience in our team. Arsenal, we know, will be favourites, but I'm determined to win my first trophy in England. It would be a huge milestone in my career, especially doing it with a relatively small club in the Premier League."
    The Birmingham manager is expected to set his side up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Nikola Zigic, Obafemi Martins and Cameron Jerome competing for the lone striker's role against what is widely considered to be the most attractive side in English football. "They've beaten a team like Barcelona and that obviously makes you think: 'Do we have a chance?'" McLeish said. "But it's a game of football and we definitely have a chance of winning this. We see it as a fantastic opportunity."
    Although relations between were strained after Martin Taylor's clumsy challenge on Eduardo da Silva in February 2008 left the forward fighting to save his career, McLeish gets on well with Wenger and spent time observing the Frenchman working after he left Rangers in 2006.
    He has great respect for Arsenal's style, but was also quick to point out that Wenger's players can combine beauty with brawn when it was suggested that Birmingham have been physical in the past. "It's never been in our gameplan to get stuck in." McLeish said. "It's: 'Make tackles, don't run alongside Arsenal players and admire them.' But I think if you look at the game at the Emirates [in October], they got stuck into us a little bit more than the other way round. Arsenal can look after themselves, don't you worry about that."

 
Simba, Mtibwa hapatoshi

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 26th February 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 64; Jumla ya maoni: 0





MABINGWA watetezi wa Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara, Simba, leo watakuwa na kazi nzito pale watakapomenyana na Mtibwa Sugar kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa Dar es Salaam katika harakati za kutetea taji lake.

Mechi hiyo inatarajiwa kuwa kali na ya kusisimua kutokana na unyeti wa nafasi ilizo nazo timu hiyo kwenye msimamo wa ligi hiyo ambao kabla ya mechi hii, Azam ndio inaongoza kwa uwiano mzuri wa mabao baada ya kulingana pointi na Yanga inayoshika nafasi ya pili.

Timu hizo zina pointi 35 kila moja.

Simba iko nafasi ya tatu kwenye msimamo huo ikiwa na pointi 34, ikishinda itafikisha pointi 37 na hivyo kurejea kwenye kilele cha msimamo wa ligi hiyo kwa tofauti ya pointi mbili.

Mtibwa Sugar iko nafasi ya nne ikiwa na pointi 30, ushindi wa mechi ya leo utaifanya ifikishe pointi 34 sawa na Simba, lakini Simba itaendelea kushika nafasi ya tatu kwa uwiano wa mabao.

Kocha wa Mtibwa Sugar, Toma Olaba aliliambia gazeti hili kuwa mechi hiyo ni muhimu kwake kushinda, kwani itamuwekea mazingira mazuri ya kumaliza katika timu mbili za juu mwishoni mwa msimu.

"Unaona pointi zangu na Simba, hazijapishana sana, Simba akishinda ataongoza Ligi, mimi nikishinda nitamfikia Simba pointi na hilo linanipa nguvu ya kuifunga Azam mechi inayofuata na kuwa na uhakika wa kumaliza ligi katika nafasi mbili za juu," alisema.

"Siwezi kufungwa Dar es Salaam, Simba haiwezi kunifunga tena, nimeshawaandaa wachezaji wangu kwa ajili ya mechi hiyo," alisema Olaba.

Katika mechi ya raundi ya kwanza iliyofanyika kwenye Uwanja wa Jamhuri Morogoro, Simba iliibuka na ushindi wa bao 1-0.

Hata hivyo mechi dhidi ya timu hizi, haitabiriki, lolote linaweza kutokea kwa timu yoyote ile.

Mtibwa Sugar leo italazimika kumtumia kipa wake namba mbili baada ya namba moja, Shaaban Kado kutumikia adhabu ya kadi nyekundu aliyooneshwa katika mechi dhidi ya Toto African iliyochezwa kwenye Uwanja wa CCM Kirumba, Mwanza katikati ya wiki.

Kwa upande wa Simba, Mkurugenzi wake wa ufundi Patrick Phiri alisema hawana cha kupoteza kwani wanataka kuongoza ligi.

"Mechi yetu itakuwa ngumu najua, lakini sisi ndio mabingwa watetezi tunataka kurudi kuongoza ligi, ili tutetee ubingwa wetu," alisema.
 
Msama Promotions yamkaribisha Stara Thomas

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 26th February 2011 @ 23:50 Imesomwa na watu: 27; Jumla ya maoni: 0

KAMATI ya maandalizi ya tamasha la Pasaka, imesema iko tayari kumkaribisha mwanamuziki nguli wa zamani wa muziki wa Bongo Fleva, Stara Thomas aliyetangaza kuokoka, ili atumbuize katika tamasha hilo la nyimbo za Injili.

Akizungumza Dar es Salaam Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo, Alex Msama alisema wanafuatilia kwa karibu nyendo za Stara, na ikithibitika ameokoka, watamkaribisha kwa moyo mkunjufu.

Msama ametoa msimamo huo siku chache baada ya Stara kusema ameamua kumtumikia Mungu katika nyimbo za Injili na yuko tayari kutumbuiza akipata nafasi katika tamasha la Pasaka la kumsifu Mungu litakalorindima Aprili 24 mwaka huu kwenye ukumbi wa Dimond Jubilee, Dar es Salaam.

"Kamati ya maandalizi ya tamasha la Pasaka inamfuatilia Stara kwa karibu, tutawasiliana na mchungaji wa kanisa lake, akituthibitishia kwamba amempokea Yesu, tutamkaribisha kwa bashasha.

"Hata hivyo, jambo la kufurahisha ni kwamba Stara tunamfahamu kwa muda mrefu ni mtu anayejiheshimu katika jamii tangu awali," alisema Msama.

Msama, ambaye pia ni Mkurugenzi wa Kampuni ya Msama Promotions iliyo mstari wa mbele kufanya kazi na wasanii wa muziki wa Injili, alisema pia wanamkaribisha kwa mikono miwili Stara afanye kazi na kampuni hiyo.

"Tumepokea ombi la Stara, ikiwezekana Msama Promotions iko tayari kufanya naye kazi kama waimbaji wengine wa nyimbo za Injili," alisema Msama.

Stara alikaririwa akisema anaamini Mwenyezi Mungu atamuongoza kutengeneza albamu ya Injili itakayokuwa shukurani kwa Mungu.

"Sasa hivi nimeamua kumpa Bwana Yesu maisha yangu...nilipata mwito kutoka kwake kuwa anawaita watu wote wasumbukao na wenye kulemewa na mizigo waende kwake atawapumzisha, nami nimekuja kupumzika," alisema Stara.

Awali, alikuwa akiabudu katika Kanisa la Jamatrine lakini kwa sasa tangu 'azaliwe upya', anaabudu katika Kanisa la Shalom lililoko Mbezi Salasala.

"Kwa vile Mungu amenipa kipaji na kunijaalia afya njema, naahidi nitamtumikia kwa nguvu zote," alisema Stara, na kuahidi akipata nafasi ya kutumbuiza tamasha la Pasaka, atafanya mambo makubwa kukonga nyoyo za mashabiki.

Awali, Stara alitamba na nyimbo za Bongo Fleva kama Wasiwasi wa mapenzi na hivi karibuni alivuma na wimbo wa Nipigie alioshirikiana na AT.
 
Msama Promotions yamkaribisha Stara Thomas

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 26th February 2011 @ 23:50 Imesomwa na watu: 27; Jumla ya maoni: 0

KAMATI ya maandalizi ya tamasha la Pasaka, imesema iko tayari kumkaribisha mwanamuziki nguli wa zamani wa muziki wa Bongo Fleva, Stara Thomas aliyetangaza kuokoka, ili atumbuize katika tamasha hilo la nyimbo za Injili.

Akizungumza Dar es Salaam Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo, Alex Msama alisema wanafuatilia kwa karibu nyendo za Stara, na ikithibitika ameokoka, watamkaribisha kwa moyo mkunjufu.

Msama ametoa msimamo huo siku chache baada ya Stara kusema ameamua kumtumikia Mungu katika nyimbo za Injili na yuko tayari kutumbuiza akipata nafasi katika tamasha la Pasaka la kumsifu Mungu litakalorindima Aprili 24 mwaka huu kwenye ukumbi wa Dimond Jubilee, Dar es Salaam.

"Kamati ya maandalizi ya tamasha la Pasaka inamfuatilia Stara kwa karibu, tutawasiliana na mchungaji wa kanisa lake, akituthibitishia kwamba amempokea Yesu, tutamkaribisha kwa bashasha.

"Hata hivyo, jambo la kufurahisha ni kwamba Stara tunamfahamu kwa muda mrefu ni mtu anayejiheshimu katika jamii tangu awali," alisema Msama.

Msama, ambaye pia ni Mkurugenzi wa Kampuni ya Msama Promotions iliyo mstari wa mbele kufanya kazi na wasanii wa muziki wa Injili, alisema pia wanamkaribisha kwa mikono miwili Stara afanye kazi na kampuni hiyo.

"Tumepokea ombi la Stara, ikiwezekana Msama Promotions iko tayari kufanya naye kazi kama waimbaji wengine wa nyimbo za Injili," alisema Msama.

Stara alikaririwa akisema anaamini Mwenyezi Mungu atamuongoza kutengeneza albamu ya Injili itakayokuwa shukurani kwa Mungu.

"Sasa hivi nimeamua kumpa Bwana Yesu maisha yangu...nilipata mwito kutoka kwake kuwa anawaita watu wote wasumbukao na wenye kulemewa na mizigo waende kwake atawapumzisha, nami nimekuja kupumzika," alisema Stara.

Awali, alikuwa akiabudu katika Kanisa la Jamatrine lakini kwa sasa tangu 'azaliwe upya', anaabudu katika Kanisa la Shalom lililoko Mbezi Salasala.

"Kwa vile Mungu amenipa kipaji na kunijaalia afya njema, naahidi nitamtumikia kwa nguvu zote," alisema Stara, na kuahidi akipata nafasi ya kutumbuiza tamasha la Pasaka, atafanya mambo makubwa kukonga nyoyo za mashabiki.

Awali, Stara alitamba na nyimbo za Bongo Fleva kama Wasiwasi wa mapenzi na hivi karibuni alivuma na wimbo wa Nipigie alioshirikiana na AT.
 
6,000 kuchuana mbio za Kili leo

Imeandikwa na Betram Lengama, Moshi; Tarehe: 26th February 2011 @ 23:00 Imesomwa na watu: 24; Jumla ya maoni: 0





ZAIDI ya wanariadha 6,000 kutoka ndani na nje ya Tanzania leo watachuana katika mbio za kimataifa za marathon za Kilimanjaro ambazo zinatimua vumbi mjini hapa ambapo kwa mara ya kwanza kutakuwepo na washiriki kutoka nchini Ethiopia.

Kwa mujibu wa mratibu wa ufundi wa mbio hizo John Bayo, kwa mara ya kwanza wakimbiaji kutoka Ethiopia ambao inaaminika duniani kuwa ni wakimbiaji bora wa mbio ndefu watashiriki kwenye mbio hizo ambazo ni za tisa tangu kuanzishwa kwake.

"Kwa mara ya kwanza tumepata wakimbiaji kutoka Ethiopia ambao wamekuja wakimbiaji wawili, mmoja amekwishawasili mwenzake alitarajiwa kuwasili leo (jana) jioni, na uwepo wao utaongeza ushindani katika mbio hizi," alisema Bayo.

Mbali na wanariadha hao kutoka Ethiopia pia kuna wanariadha 18 kutoka Uganda na zaidi ya 50 kutoka Kenya, Zimbabwe na Afrika Kusini pamoja na wenyeji Tanzania, hao ni kutoka barani Afrika ambao watachuana kwenye marathoni kamili ambazo ni kilometa 42.195.

Wakati wale kutoka nje wanatoka katika mataifa 35 na baadhi ya mataifa hayo ni Uingereza, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Ufaransa na Japan ambao wengi wao huwa wanashiriki kwenye mbio za nusu marathon na mbio za kujifurahisha za kilometa tano zinazodhaminiwa na kampuni ya simu za mkononi ya Vodacom.

Pamoja na burudani ya mbio hizo ambazo mgeni rasmi atakuwa Waziri wa Habari,Vijana, Utamaduni na Michezo, Emmanuel Nchimbi ambaye ndiye ataanzisha mbio hizo mapema leo asubuhi na baadaye atakabidhi zawadi kwa washindi, wakazi wa mji wa Moshi watapata burudani ya muziki wa dansi kutoka kwa bendi ya African Stars 'Twanga Pepeta', TMK Wanaume Family pamoja na mshindi wa tatu wa shindano la kusaka vipaji la Bongo Star Search (BSS), Joseph Payne maarufu kama 'Mzungu'.
 
Kamati &#8216;yamnyonyoa' Kaijage

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 25th February 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 297; Jumla ya maoni: 0
02_11_9q9rt1.jpg

Florian Kaijage





KAMATI ya Kuchunguza Kashfa ya Kutopigwa Nyimbo za Taifa katika mchezo kati ya Taifa Stars na Morroco uliofanyika Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam Oktoba 9, mwaka jana imetoa ripoti yake huku ikimtwisha lawama kwa kiasi kikubwa aliyekuwa Ofisa Habari wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF), Florian Kaijage.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Dar es Salaam, Mwenyekiti wa kamati hiyo, Hamidu Mbwezeleni alisema kutokana na ufuatiliaji wa kamati yake kwa kuwahoji watu mbalimbali akiwemo Kaijage mwenyewe wamemhusisha kwa kiasi kikubwa kwamba alishindwa kutekeleza majukumu yake ipasavyo.

Kamati ilieleza kuwa ilipata miniti za kikao cha Kamati Maalum ya Uwanja wa Taifa juu ya jukumu la kuhakikisha nyimbo za Taifa zinapigwa bila dosari iliyokuwa chini ya Mkurugenzi wa Michezo, Leonard Thadeo, ambayo ilikuwa maalum kwa mchezo kati ya Taifa Stars na Moroco.

Kwa mujibu wa Mbwezeleni katika kikao cha kamati hiyo kilichofanyika Oktoba 8, mwaka jana kilikuwa na msisitizo wa kuhakikisha yote yaliyojadiliwa yanatekelezwa, huku suala la nyimbo za Taifa likipewa msisitizo wa aina yake ili kuepuka aibu kama ilivyokuwa mechi ya Taifa Stars na Brazil Juni mwaka jana kuhusiana na nyimbo hizo za Taifa.

Alieleza kuwa Rais wa TFF, Leodeger Tenga kulingana na miniti hizo aliagiza CD za nyimbo za Taifa ziandaliwe mapema na matangazo mengine ya vyombo vya moto vijaribiwe mapema na ikiwezekana hata Brass Band iandaliwe ili kuepuka aibu iliyojitokeza kwenye mechi ya Stars na Brazil na alimuagiza Kaijage kuchukua CD ya Wamorocco mapema na kwenda nayo Uwanja wa Taifa kufanya majaribio na kama kuna upungufu ushughuliwe mapema.

Alisema katika uchunguzi wake walizingatia maalekezo ya kikao hicho na maagizo ya Rais wa TFF kwamba kuwepo na majaribio saa nne asubuhi siku ya mchezo ili kama kuna tatizo lirekebishwe.

Lakini alieleza kuwa waligundua Oktoba 8, ambayo Kaijage aliambiwa apeleke CD ndiyo siku ambayo umeme ulirejeshwa uwanjani baada ya kutokuwepo karibu miezi miwili na kwamba Wachina na wahusika wengine walikuwepo uwanjani na yaliyokuwa ya lazima kufanywa yalifanywa ila Kaijage hakuonekana uwanjani.

Alisema uchunguzi kwa nini Kaijage hakufika uwanjani ulijibiwa na yeye mwenyewe kwa maelezo hakwenda kwa sababu alikuwa hajapata CD ya wimbo wa Taifa wa Morocco kutoka kwa wageni hadi jioni ya saa 11 siku hiyo.

Alisema Oktoba 9, Kaijage alisema alipata CD ya pili ya Morocco kutoka kwa wanadiplomasia wa Morocco waliotoka Nairobi majira ya saa nne asubuhi na yeye alifika uwanjani kwa mara ya kwanza saa 8, mchana ikiwa ni muda mfupi kabla ya shughuli kuanza, wakati alitakiwa afike saa nne.

Mwenyekiti huyo alieleza kuwa Kaijage na Wachina hawakukaa pamoja kufanya zoezi la kujaribu nyimbo hizo na kwamba alichokifanya Kaijage alimpa mtaalamu wa Kichina azichezeshe na yeye naye akaondoka kuelekea kwenye shughuli nyingine.

Hata hivyo Mchina aliyekuwa anashughulikia jambo hilo aligundua CD iliyoletwa haioani na mashine zake na kutoka studio kuanza kumtafuta Kaijage na kwamba baada ya Ofisa Habari huyo wa zamani kumaliza shughuli zake alirejea studio, lakini hakumkuta Mchina.

Akifafanua zaidi, Mbwezeleni alisema kuwa baada ya kuzungumza na wote waliohusika, kamati yake iliridhika kuwa Kaijage na mtaalam wa Kichina Quin Lei walionana kwa mara ya kwanza saa 8 mchana siku ya mechi na hawakukaa pamoja kuchezesha CD.

Lakini alisema katika kipengele hiki Kaijage alijitetea kutofanya mazeozi ya kabla na disc ya kwanza kutokana na kuchelewa kuipata na kuhusu ile ya pili alijitetea kwamba alikuwa na kazi nyingi ikiwa ni pamoja na kuwatafutia tiketi waandishi wa habari wa ndani na nje ya Tanzania.

Pia wakati wa kumkabidhi Mchina hiyo CD yeye alikuwa akihangaikia kupata orodha ya wachezaji, ili awape wana habari na kwamba aliweka angalizo kuwa kama Mchina angebaki studio tatizo lisingetokea.

Lakini kamati ilipomhoji Kaimu Katibu Mkuu wa TFF, alieleza kuwa Kaijage alishindwa kujipangia kazi zake ipasavyo na haieleweki kwa nini asione umuhimu wa kufanya majaribio kwa kitu kinachochukua muda usiozidi dakika tano.

Pia kamati ilieleza kuwa kutokana na mhusika kusubiri CD ya pili inaonekana alikuwa anajua kwamba ile ya mwanzo ilikuwa na matatizo na kwamba kwa kutoa CD isiyofaa kwa Mchina ni hali inayoweza ikasababishwa na aidha uzembe au kutokuwa mwangalifu katika utendaji.

"Mbali ya hayo Kaijage alikuwa na msaidizi aliyelipwa na TFF kwa hiyo kisingizio cha kazi nyingi hakina miguu mbali ya yeye kujilimbikizia kazi bila ya kuzipanga kwa umuhimu wake.

"Kwa upande mwingine Wizara nayo ina lawama hasa ikizingatiwa mtaalamu wa Kichina hajui Kingereza wala Kiswahili hali ambayo ilimnyima uwezo wa kumtafuta Kaijage kwa simu hali ambayo ingempa uwezo wa kuwepo dimbani mwake wakati akimtafuta na hivyo kumpa nafasi ya kumkuta na kuokoa jahazi.

"Mbali ya dosari ndogo za wahusika, lakini la msingi ni kuwa uzito wa kadhia hii umesimikwa kwenye kutofanya majaribio ya disc ambazo Kaijage alikuwa nazo mikononi mwake naye hakuzifikisha kwa wakati uwanjani na kuzithibitisha uhakika wake.

"Kwa hiyo bila kigugumizi kamati inamshikilia Kaijage kuwa ndiye mhusika aliyesababisha kutopigwa nyimbo hizo kwa wakati na hatua iliyochukuliwa dhidi yake ilikuwa sahihi," alisema Mbwezeleni.Kaijage alisimamishwa wadhifa wake.

Kamati hiyo ambayo iliundwa na Rais wa TFF, Leodgar Tenga licha ya Mbwezeleni wengine waliokuwa wameteuliwa ni Yusuf Nzowa ambaye ni Ofisa wa Ikulu na Mjumbe wa Kamati ya Nidhamu ya TFF, Ahmed Msangi Mkuu wa Upelelezi Kanda Maalum ya Dar es Salaam.

Wengine ni Gasper Mwembezi ambaye ni Mkurugenzi wa Sera na Mipango, Wizara ya Habari, Utamaduni na Michezo na Zena Chande Mhariri Msaidizi wa Michezo wa gazeti la HabariLeo, ambaye baadaye aliteuliwa kuwa Katibu wa Kamati hiyo.

Kamati hiyo imeshauri uwekwe utaratibu ili mhusika kwenye studio uwanjani hapo awe Mtanzania na kama akiwa Mchina mhusika awe siku ya kwenye studio saa moja kabla ya mchezo bila kuondoka, pia watu wa itifaki waipatie TFF na uwanja nyimbo za Taifa siku moja kabla kwa ajili ya mazoezi na suala la mazoezi ya mashine za sauti liwe ni la lazima.

Lakini akizungumza Dar es Salaam kuhusiana na tamko hilo, Kaijage alisema alikuwa bado hajalipata hivyo asingeweza kuchangia.

"Ngoja niione hiyo ripoti ya kamati halafu kama nitakuwa na la kusema nitakueleza, lakini nimesikitia tu kwamba kamati imenibebesha lawama mimi, sasa sijui hoja zao," alisema.
 
Mahakama yamfutia Mwakalebela kesi ya rushwa
Imeandikwa na Frank Leonard, Iringa; Tarehe: 25th February 2011 @ 23:55 Imesomwa na watu: 112; Jumla ya maoni: 0
02_11_g12z9b.jpg

Frederick Mwakalebela
Habari Zaidi: Simba, Mtibwa hapatoshi
Msama Promotions yamkaribisha Stara Thomas
6,000 kuchuana mbio za Kili leo
Kamati &#8216;yamnyonyoa' Kaijage
Mahakama yamfutia Mwakalebela kesi ya rushwa
Uchaguzi snuka wasogezwa mbele
Wengi wajitokeza Kombe la Nahodha
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Mtibwa yaitangazia ubaya Simba
MZFA yaliomba jiji la Mwanza liisaidie Toto
Gofu waanza maandalizi ya Olimpiki
Zanzibar Ocean View yaahidiwa Sh. mil 20
ZFA yatakiwa kuchagua kocha msaidizi U-23

 Habari zinazosomwa zaidi: Balaa lingine kwa Chenge
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MAHAKAMA ya Wilaya ya Iringa imetupilia mbali kesi ya rushwa iliyokuwa ikimkabili aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF), Frederick Mwakalebela baada ya Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (Takukuru) kuboronga kufungua mashitaka dhidi yake.

Uamuzi huo umekuja takribani mwezi mmoja baada ya mahakama hiyo kuifutilia mbali kesi iliyokuwa ikimkabili aliyekuwa Mbunge wa Jimbo la Mufindi Kaskazini na Waziri katika serikali za awamu zilizopita, Joseph Mungai.

Hata hivyo siku chache baada ya kesi hiyo dhidi ya Mungai kufutwa, Takukuru ilifanyia marekebisho mashitaka yake na kuirudisha upya mahakamani.

Katika kesi dhidi ya Mwakalebela, wakili wake Basil Mkwata, aliwasilisha pingamizi la awali la kisheria akiomba kesi hiyo iondolewe mahakamani kutokana na upungufu wa kisheria uliofanywa na Takukuru.

Akifutilia mbali shauri hilo, Hakimu wa Mahakama ya Wilaya ya Iringa, Festo Lwila aliyekuwa akisikiliza shauri hilo, alisema Mahakama imeridhia pingamizi hilo kwa kuwa mshitakiwa alishitakiwa kwa kutumia sheria mbili tofauti kwenye hati moja ya mashitaka.

Kwa mujibu wa hukumu hiyo, upungufu huo ni kinyume cha sheria na unaweza kusababisha ashindwe kuandaa utetezi wake kwa kutojua mashitaka yapi yanayomkabili.

Sheria hizo zilizotumika dhidi ya Mwakalebela ni ile ya Gharama za Uchaguzi ya Mwaka 2010 na Sheria ya Kupambana na Rushwa ya 2007.

Hakimu Lwila alisema Takukuru haikuwa na sababu ya kumshitaki Mwakalebela kwa kutumia sheria hizo mbili katika hati moja ya mashitaka.

Alisema usahihi wa hati ya mashitaka unapaswa kuwa makini tangu awali inapoandaliwa, jambo ambalo limemfanya Mwakalebela kufutiwa mashitaka.

"Kutokana na sababu hiyo, mshitakiwa anakuwa huru na upande wa mashitaka una hiari ya kuleta tena kesi hii ikiwa haina kasoro hiyo ya kisheria," alisema hakimu huyo.

Katika pingamizi hilo, Wakili Mkwata alisema mshitakiwa alikwisha adhibiwa baada ya Halmashauri Kuu ya CCM (NEC) kumuengua katika uchaguzi wa kura za maoni na kuomba shitaka hilo liondolewe mahakamani.

Katika kura hizo za maoni, Mwakalebela aliibuka mshindi dhidi ya wagombea wengine 11, akiwemo aliyekuwa Mbunge wa Jimbo la Iringa Monica Mbega ambaye pamoja na kusimamishwa kupeperusha bendera ya CCM, alibwaga na mgombea wa Chadema Mchungaji Peter Msigwa.

Mwakalebela alifikishwa katika mahakama hiyo, akikabiliwa na mashitaka ya kutoa hongo ya Sh 100,000 kwa Hamis Luhanga ambaye ni Mwenyekiti wa kijiji cha Mkoga, ili awagaie wajumbe 30 wa CCM kwa nia ya kuwashawishi wampigie kura za maoni.

Baada ya kufikishwa mahakamani hapo, Takukuru ilidai kwamba Mwakalebela alitoa rushwa kinyume cha Sheria ya Kupambana na Rushwa namba 11 ya mwaka 2007 kifungu cha 15 kinachokwenda sambamba na Sheria ya Gharama za Uchaguzi namba 6 ya 2010.
 
Mahakama yamfutia Mwakalebela kesi ya rushwa
Imeandikwa na Frank Leonard, Iringa; Tarehe: 25th February 2011 @ 23:55 Imesomwa na watu: 112; Jumla ya maoni: 0
02_11_g12z9b.jpg

Frederick Mwakalebela
Habari Zaidi: Simba, Mtibwa hapatoshi
Msama Promotions yamkaribisha Stara Thomas
6,000 kuchuana mbio za Kili leo
Kamati ‘yamnyonyoa’ Kaijage
Mahakama yamfutia Mwakalebela kesi ya rushwa
Uchaguzi snuka wasogezwa mbele
Wengi wajitokeza Kombe la Nahodha
‘Tutapunguza kiingilio wengi waje’
Washindi Kili Marathon kuzoa zawadi Vodacom
Masumbwi Taifa kuanza Jumapili Dar
Maugo, Kaseba kupambana Aprili 16 Dar
Timu 5 zapanda daraja la kwanza netiboli
Serikali kusaidia mchezo wa kuogelea
Taswa yampongeza Tenga
Airtel yaja kivingine kwenye burudani
Mtibwa yaitangazia ubaya Simba
MZFA yaliomba jiji la Mwanza liisaidie Toto
Gofu waanza maandalizi ya Olimpiki
Zanzibar Ocean View yaahidiwa Sh. mil 20
ZFA yatakiwa kuchagua kocha msaidizi U-23
MAHAKAMA ya Wilaya ya Iringa imetupilia mbali kesi ya rushwa iliyokuwa ikimkabili aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF), Frederick Mwakalebela baada ya Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (Takukuru) kuboronga kufungua mashitaka dhidi yake.

Uamuzi huo umekuja takribani mwezi mmoja baada ya mahakama hiyo kuifutilia mbali kesi iliyokuwa ikimkabili aliyekuwa Mbunge wa Jimbo la Mufindi Kaskazini na Waziri katika serikali za awamu zilizopita, Joseph Mungai.

Hata hivyo siku chache baada ya kesi hiyo dhidi ya Mungai kufutwa, Takukuru ilifanyia marekebisho mashitaka yake na kuirudisha upya mahakamani.

Katika kesi dhidi ya Mwakalebela, wakili wake Basil Mkwata, aliwasilisha pingamizi la awali la kisheria akiomba kesi hiyo iondolewe mahakamani kutokana na upungufu wa kisheria uliofanywa na Takukuru.

Akifutilia mbali shauri hilo, Hakimu wa Mahakama ya Wilaya ya Iringa, Festo Lwila aliyekuwa akisikiliza shauri hilo, alisema Mahakama imeridhia pingamizi hilo kwa kuwa mshitakiwa alishitakiwa kwa kutumia sheria mbili tofauti kwenye hati moja ya mashitaka.

Kwa mujibu wa hukumu hiyo, upungufu huo ni kinyume cha sheria na unaweza kusababisha ashindwe kuandaa utetezi wake kwa kutojua mashitaka yapi yanayomkabili.

Sheria hizo zilizotumika dhidi ya Mwakalebela ni ile ya Gharama za Uchaguzi ya Mwaka 2010 na Sheria ya Kupambana na Rushwa ya 2007.

Hakimu Lwila alisema Takukuru haikuwa na sababu ya kumshitaki Mwakalebela kwa kutumia sheria hizo mbili katika hati moja ya mashitaka.

Alisema usahihi wa hati ya mashitaka unapaswa kuwa makini tangu awali inapoandaliwa, jambo ambalo limemfanya Mwakalebela kufutiwa mashitaka.

“Kutokana na sababu hiyo, mshitakiwa anakuwa huru na upande wa mashitaka una hiari ya kuleta tena kesi hii ikiwa haina kasoro hiyo ya kisheria,” alisema hakimu huyo.

Katika pingamizi hilo, Wakili Mkwata alisema mshitakiwa alikwisha adhibiwa baada ya Halmashauri Kuu ya CCM (NEC) kumuengua katika uchaguzi wa kura za maoni na kuomba shitaka hilo liondolewe mahakamani.

Katika kura hizo za maoni, Mwakalebela aliibuka mshindi dhidi ya wagombea wengine 11, akiwemo aliyekuwa Mbunge wa Jimbo la Iringa Monica Mbega ambaye pamoja na kusimamishwa kupeperusha bendera ya CCM, alibwaga na mgombea wa Chadema Mchungaji Peter Msigwa.

Mwakalebela alifikishwa katika mahakama hiyo, akikabiliwa na mashitaka ya kutoa hongo ya Sh 100,000 kwa Hamis Luhanga ambaye ni Mwenyekiti wa kijiji cha Mkoga, ili awagaie wajumbe 30 wa CCM kwa nia ya kuwashawishi wampigie kura za maoni.

Baada ya kufikishwa mahakamani hapo, Takukuru ilidai kwamba Mwakalebela alitoa rushwa kinyume cha Sheria ya Kupambana na Rushwa namba 11 ya mwaka 2007 kifungu cha 15 kinachokwenda sambamba na Sheria ya Gharama za Uchaguzi namba 6 ya 2010.
 
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