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Ukaidi wa dereva waua wasanii 11

Imeandikwa na John Nditi, Morogoro; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 646; Jumla ya maoni: 0









UKAIDI wa dereva wa basi dogo aina ya Coaster ndiyo uliosababisha vifo vya wasanii 13 wa kikundi cha taarabu cha Five Stars Modern Taarab cha Dar es Salaam.

Inadaiwa kuwa dereva huyo aliyetajwa kwa jina moja la Chala alikaidi ushauri wa abiria waliomtaka apunguze mwendo, akalogonga lori la mizigo lililokuwa limeegeshwa pembeni mwa barabara kuu ya Iringa – Morogoro katika Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Mikumi.

Basi hilo namba T 351 BGE lililokuwa katika mwendo mkali liligonga lori aina ya Scania namba T 848 APE lililokuwa na tela namba T559BDL lililokuwa limesheheni mbao na kuegeshwa katika kijiji cha Doma, wilayani Mvomero baada ya kuharibika.

Katika ajali hiyo watu 12 walikufa papo hapo na mwingine aliaga dunia wakati akipatiwa matibabu katika Hospitali ya Mkoa wa Morogoro.

Marehemu alikuwa mwimbaji katika bendi hiyo, ndugu zake wamemtambua kuwa ni Haji Mzaniwa ( 38).

Miongoni mwa waliokufa ni pamoja na Meneja wa bendi hiyo, Nassoro Madenge , mwimbaji mahiri wa taarab, Issa Kijoti na wasanii wengine mashuhuri.

Kijoti ndiye aliyeimba wimbo maarufu wenye maneno Nichumu Nichumu tena, Mwaah, amekufa siku yake ya kuzaliwa, alizaliwa Machi 21, 1985.

Kamanda wa Kikosi cha Usalama Barabarani Mkoa wa Morogoro, Ibrahim Mwamakula, alisema ajali hiyo ilitokea saa 2.30 usiku.

Kwa mujibu wa Kamanda huyo, dereva huyo aliligonga lori hilo wakati akijaribu kukwepa lori lingine lililokuwa likitoka mbele yake ambalo pia ni Scania lenye namba T 530 BHY na tela namba T 182 BKB.

Baada ya kuona hali hiyo dereva alibabaika, basi likayumba na kujibamiza kwenye lori hilo na paa la basi hilo kung’oka.

“Ni ajali mbaya iliyohusisha magari matatu, na waliokufa wote ni waliokuwa kwenye basi dogo la wasanii wa Five Stars na kusababisha majeruhi tisa kulazwa,” alisema Mwamakula.

Kati ya waliokufa 10 ni wanaume na watatu ni wanawake, ambapo majeruhi ambao wote ni wasanii waliolazwa katika Hospitali ya Mkoa ni pamoja na Mwanahawa Ally (55) wa Kundi la East African Melody ambaye alikuwa mwalikwa katika safari hiyo , Susana Benedict (32), Zena Mohamed (27), Samrla Rajab (22) na Mwanahawa Hamis ( 36) walioko wadi namba
tatu.

Akihojiwa jana akiwa hospitalini alikolazwa, Mwanahawa alisema, dereva alionywa na abiria kuhusu mwendo wake wa kasi, lakini akakaidi na kuendelea na uendeshaji wake mbovu uliowasababishia ajali.

“Kwa kweli dereva wa gari letu alikuwa akiendesha kwa kasi tangu tulipokuwa kukiteremka kwenye milima ya Kitonga … niliingiwa na wasiwasi juu ya mwendo wake na ndipo tulipofika karibu na Doma, tumepata ajali mbaya sana, iliyosababisha wenzetu 13 kufa na sisi kama watu tisa kupata majeraha wengine ni makubwa,” alisema Mwanahawa.

Alithibitisha kuwa dereva wa gari lao alitaka kulipita lori lililoharibika, lakini ghafla kukawa na gari lingine likitoka mbele yao, “aliligonga hili lililobeba mbao na kuhama njia kwenda kujigonga usoni mwa lori lingine na kuangukia bondeni,” alisema msanii huyo mkongwe wa muziki huo.

Kwa mujibu wa Kamanda huyo wasanii wengine waliolazwa katika hospitali hiyo ni Ally Juma (25), Rajabu Kondo ( 25), Issa Hamis, Shaaban Hamis (41) na Msafiri Musa (22).

Wakizungumza katika eneo la ajali usiku huyo, mashuhuda walioshuhudia ajali hiyo, Joseph Njiwa na Nania Msemwa, ambao walikuwa na gari kubwa la mizigo wakitoka Dar es Salaam kwenda Makambako, Iringa, kwa nyakati tofauti walisema ajali hiyo ilitokea saa mbili usiku.

“Ni ajali ya kutisha, tumeshuhudia basi dogo hilo likigonga lori kwa nyuma na kuhama na kwenda kugonga kichwa cha lori lingine, na watu walikatika vichwa na viungo vyao … hata sisi tuliingiwa na hofu kubwa ya kutoa msaada, lakini tulikazimika kufanya hivyo,” alisema Msemwa.

Njiwa alisema, iwapo dereva wa basi dogo angekuwa na mwendo wa wastani , ajali hiyo ingeepukika kwa kusubiri lori hilo lililokuwa katika upande wake kupita na yenye kuendelea na safari hiyo.

Hata hivyo alitoa lawama kwa lori lililoharibika eneo hilo kwa kushindwa kuweka alama za kuashiria kuharibika na hivyo kuepusha ajali hiyo.

Baadhi ya ndugu wa marehamu waliwasili usiku wa manane siku ya tukio baada ya kuarifiwa na majeruhi na kuchukua hatua za kuchukua miili ya wasanii hao kwa ajili ya kusafirishwa hadi Dar es Salaam kwa mazishi.

Hata hivyo miili ya marehemu hao ilihifadhiwa katika mochwari ya Hospitali ya Mkoa wa Morogoro kwa ajili ya utaratibu mwingine zaidi.

Wakati huo huo, Rais Jakaya Kikwete amemtumia salamu za rambirambi Waziri wa Habari, Vijana, Utamaduni na Michezo, Emmanuel Nchimbi kutokana na vifo hivyo.

“Binafsi nimeguswa na msiba huu kwa vile umetupotezea wasanii ambao walikuwa na mchango mkubwa katika kukuza na kuendeleza sanaa ya muziki wa taarab nchini kwetu. Hili ni pigo kubwa si kwa usanii wa taarab bali kwa Taifa letu zima la Tanzania,” alisema Rais Kikwete katika salamu zake.

Aliongeza: “Nakutaka Waziri kupitia kwako ufikishe salamu zangu hizi za rambirambi kwa ndugu wa wafiwa wote. Wajulishe kuwa moyo wangu uko nao katika wakati huu mgumu na kuwa msiba wao ni msiba wetu sote.”

Rais Kikwete alisema anamwomba Mwenyezi Mungu azilaze mahali pema peponi roho za marehemu wote huku akiwaomba waliopoteza wapendwa wao katika ajali hiyo mbaya kuwa na moyo wa uvumilivu, ujasiri na subira katika kipindi hiki kigumu cha maombolezo.

Vilevile aliwaombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu wote waliojeruhiwa kwenye ajali hiyo mbaya wapone haraka ili waweze kurejea katika hali yao ya kawaida na kuungana tena na familia, ndugu, jamaa na marafiki zao.

Waziri Nchimbi amesema, amepokea kwa mshituko mkuvwa taarifa za ajali hiyo, na kwamba ni pigo kubwa kwa tasnia ya muziki wa taarab nchini.

Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) limepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa taarifa ya ajali hiyo na linaungana na familia za wafiwa na wasanii wote nchini kwa maombolezo ya msiba huu mkubwa na wa kihistoria.

“Kifo cha wasanii hawa ni pengo kubwa kwa familia na sekta ya sanaa nchini, kwani kupungukiwa na wasanii wabunifu 13 kumerudisha nyuma kimaendeleo sekta hii nchini na pengo hilo haliwezi kuzibika kwa njia yoyote iwayo,” ilisema taarifa ya Basata.

Baraza limetoa Sh. 500,000 za rambirambi kwa kundi la Five Star Modern Taarab ili zigawanywe kwa wafiwa na kusaidia shughuli za msiba huo mkubwa katika tasnia ya sanaa nchini.

Mmoja wa waratibu wa shughuli za msiba huo, Kiongozi wa African Stars Entertainment (ASET), Asha Baraka amesema, wengi waliokufa alikuwa ni wasanii vijana, na kwamba, kabla ya kujiunga na bendi hiyo walikuwa katika bendi nyingine ya taarab iitwayo Jahazi Modern Taarab.

Kiongozi wa Jahazi, Mzee Yusuf, amesema, vifo vya wasanii hao ni janga la taifa kwa kuwa vinawahusu hata wasiopenda muziki.

“Hili janga si la Five Stars, ni letu sote Watanzania, wapenda muziki na wasiopenda muziki” amesema na kuongeza kuwa wote waliokufa aliwahi kufanya nao kazi kwa muda mrefu

 

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Makocha: Mazembe inafungika, si kwa maneno

Imeandikwa na John Nditi, Morogoro; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 23:59 Imesomwa na watu: 236; Jumla ya maoni: 0

Kikosi cha TP Mazembe ya DRC





MAKOCHA nchini wameionya Simba isijidanganye kwa kujenga matumaini ya kihistoria kwamba itaitoa TP Mazembe kutokana na kufungwa mabao 3-1 mjini Lubumbashi.

Kutokana na hali hiyo wameitaka Simba ijipange kisawasawa kuhakikisha inaibuka na ushindi mnono ambao utapatikana uwanjani na si kwa kuzungumza au kutegemea historia ya siku za nyuma ndiyo itaivusha timu hiyo.

Wakizungumza kwa nyakati tofauti, baadhi ya makocha wamesema kimtazamo nafasi ya Simba si nzuri kutokana na kuwa TP Mazembe ni timu kubwa na ndiyo bingwa mtetezi, lakini kama itajipanga vizuri ina nafasi ya kuvuka hatua hiyo.

Kocha Ahmed Mumba aliyepata kuzinoa timu mbalimbali nchini ikiwemo Toto African ya Mwanza alisema nafasi ya Simba kusonga mbele inatarajia jinsi itakavyojipanga.

"Nafasi ya Simba kusonga mbele ni finyu, timu iliyocheza nayo ni kubwa na inao uzoezfu wa michuano mikubwa ya kimataifa, lakini si kwamba Simba hawawezi kushinda bali kinachotakiwa zaidi ni kujiamini wanapokuwa uwanjani, " alisema Mumba.

Alisema, wachezaji na viongozi wa timu hiyo wasifirikie kujirudia kwa historia iliyowahi kuipata miaka ya nyuma kwa kuivua ubingwa wa Afrika Zamalek mwaka 2003.

"Hili la kutegemea historia kujirudia , isipewe nafasi, kila zama na kitabu chake, Simba ya miaka hiyo si hii ya sasa na wala wachezaji wake si hawa waliopo leo, hivyo kufikiria historia kujirudia ni sawa na kujidanganya," alisema Mumba.

Naye Kocha Msaidizi wa timu ya Kagera Sugar, Mrage Kabange, akizungumzia mchezo wa Simba na Kagaer Sugar, alisema kuanza vibaya kwa Simba kusiwakatishe tamaa ya kufanya vyema kwenye mchezo wa marudiano.

"Simba hawakucheza vibaya, lakini huenda wachezaji waliingiwa na wasi wasi kutokana na jina kubwa la TP Mazembe, ndiyo maana wamefungwa mabao hayo, " alisema Kabange.

Naye Kocha Kenny Mwaisabula akizunguza jana alisema TP Mazembe inafungika lakini si kwa maneno bali vitendo.

"Uwezo wa kushinda wanao wakijituma, tulijuwa watafungwa si chini ya mabao matano, lakini pia wajilinde ili wasifungwe na isiwe kung'ang'ania kufunga.

"Naiamini Simba lakini lazima wajipange vizuri, wasiseme tu kwamba tunashinda halafu mambo yanageuka," alisema.

Simba ambao ni wawakilishi pekee wa Tanzania waliobaki katika michezo ya kimataifa ngazi ya klabu, wanahitaji ushindi wa mabao 2-0 watakaporudiana na TP Mazembe mwishoni mwa wiki ijayo jijini Dar es Salaam ili wasonge mbele katika michuano hiyo.

Hatua hiyo inatokana na kipigo cha mabao 3-1 ilichokipata Jumapili kutoka kwa TP Mazembe katika mchezo wa kwanza raundi ya kwanza Ligi ya Mabingwa Afrika uliofanyika Uwanja uitwao Stade de La Kenya mjini Lubumbashi.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Kampuni zakosa sifa kuendesha Uwanja wa Taifa

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 23:45 Imesomwa na watu: 75; Jumla ya maoni: 0








KAMPUNI za nchini zilizoomba mwaka jana kusimamia na kuendesha Uwanja wa Taifa ulioko jijini Dar es Salaam, hazikuwa na sifa wala uzoefu wa mambo ya michezo.

Hayo yalisemwa na Waziri wa Habari, Vijana, Utamaduni na Michezo, Emmanuel Nchimbi, alipozungumza na wahariri wa vyombo vya habari Dar es Salaam.

Kutokana na kukosa kampuni ya kufanya shughuli hiyo, kupitia zabuni iliyotangazwa, Waziri alisema Serikali imekuwa ikifikiria kama iunde wakala wa kusimamia uwanja huo au itangaze upya.

"Tunafikiria kuwa na wakala, lakini bado tunasita kutokana na mazingira kuwa huenda wakala huyo naye asiwe na uzoefu kama wa kampuni hizo, kwa hiyo bado tunafikiri la kufanya," alisema Nchimbi.

Alisema hayo alipoulizwa hatua iliyofikiwa na Serikali katika kumpata mtu wa kusimamia na kuendesha uwanja huo na kuweka mashine za kudhibiti mapato na makato yanavyofanyika.

Nchimbi alisema atakapopatikana mtu wa kuendesha uwanja huo, ndiye pia atakuja na utaratibu wake wa udhibiti wa mapato.

Hata hivyo alitaka wananchi kujitokeza kwa wingi kuingia michezoni kwa viingilio, ili kuchangia timu zinazocheza kwa ajili ya uendeshaji na mambo mengine.

Alisema watu wanapenda michezo lakini linapokuja suala la kuchangia hawaonekani.

"Wanahabari mtusaidie kuhamasisha wananchi kuingia michezoni kwa viingilio … tulishuhudia Chalenji mwaka jana, ambapo watu hawakujitokeza, lakini nilipojadiliana na wadau na kushauri tuondoe viingilio katika baadhi ya mechi mliona, naambiwa waliingia 70,000," alisema na kusisitiza kwamba ni vema kuzoea kulipa.

Kuhusu awamu ya pili ya ujenzi wa uwanja huo, Nchimbi alisema mchakato unaendelea kwani zinahitajika fedha kutoka kwa wabia pamoja na Serikali, lakini hilo litafanyiwa juhudi ili na michezo mingine ipate viwanja vya kisasa na iendelezwe.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Tamasha la Pasaka Shinyanga lahamishiwa Kirumba

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 23:00 Imesomwa na watu: 38; Jumla ya maoni: 0








TAMASHA la Pasaka lililopangwa kufanyika kwenye Uwanja wa Kambarage mjini Shinyanga, limehamishwa na sasa litafanyika kwenye Uwanja wa CCM Kirumba, Mwanza.

Awali, tamasha hilo lilipangwa kufanyika Shinyanga Jumatatu ya Pasaka wakati wa Sikukuu ya Muungano, Aprili 26 mwaka huu, lakini sasa onesho hilo litafanyika Mwanza siku hiyo.

Hayo ni mabadiliko ya mara ya pili kufanywa na Kamati ya Maandalizi ya tamasha hilo, baada ya awali kuhamisha tamasha lililokuwa lifanyike Mwanza Aprili 25, na sasa litafanyika kwenye Uwanja wa Jamhuri mjini Dodoma.

Onesho la kwanza la Tamasha la Pasaka litarindima Sikukuu ya Pasaka Aprili 24 mwaka huu kwenye ukumbi wa Dimond Jubilee, Dar es Salaam, siku ambayo mgeni rasmi atakuwa Rais, Jakaya Kikwete.

Kwa mujibu wa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Maandalizi ya tamasha hilo, Alex Msama ambaye ni Mkurugenzi wa Msama Promotions, mabadiliko hayo yamefanyika kutokana na maombi ya wadau mbalimbali.

Msama amesema mjini Dar es Salaam kuwa Tamasha la Pasaka litapambwa na waimbaji nguli wa nyimbo za kumsifu Mungu wakiongozwa na Rose Muhando.

Wasanii wengine wa nyimbo za Injili watakaopamba tamasha hilo ni Upendo Nkone, Bony Mwaitege, wanamuziki kutoka Kenya, Anastazia Mukabwa na Pamela Wanderwa na Mzambia, Ephraim Sekeleti waliothibitisha kushiriki.

Tamasha la Pasaka la mwaka huu lina malengo ya kuchangisha fedha kwa ajili ya watoto yatima, kuwasaidia mitaji ya biashara wajane wasiojiweza na waathirika wa mabomu yaliyotokea kambi ya JWTZ Gongo la Mboto, Dar es Salaam, Februari 16 mwaka huu.

Kiingilio katika tamasha hilo kitakuwa Sh 4,000 kwa viti vya kawaida, viti maalumu (B) Sh 10,000 na viti maalumu (A) Sh 20,000. Tiketi za kategoria hiyo hazitauzwa mlangoni.

Tamasha la Pasaka la mwaka huu litashirikisha waimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili kutoka nchi sita ambazo ni Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, Afrika Kusini na Zambia. Pia kutakuwa na kwaya mbili kutoka katika nchi hizo.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Kocha Kagera Sugar aitisha Simba

Imeandikwa na John Nditi, Morogoro; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 22:30 Imesomwa na watu: 170; Jumla ya maoni: 0








KOCHA Mkuu wa timu ya soka ya Kagera Sugar , Jackson Mayanja , amesema watapigana kufa au kupona kuizuia Simba kupata mteremko wa kutangaza matumaini yao ya kutwaa ubingwa miguuni mwao.

Timu hizo zinatarajia kuvaana Machi 28, mwaka huu katika Uwanja wa Uhuru jijini Dar es Salaam katika mwendelezo wa Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara ambayo inaelekea kufikia ukongoni huku Simba ikiwa na nafasi nzuri ya kutetea ubingwa wao.

Mayanja ambaye ni raia wa Uganda, alisema hana wasi wasi na Simba kwa vile matokeo ya mchezo ni dakika 90 na Kagera imejipanga vizuri kutoa upinzani huo.

Kagera imeweka kambi ya muda mjini Morogoro kujiandaa na mchezo huo unaotarajiwa kuwa mkali na wa kusisimua.

"Simba ni kama timu nyingine, sawa na Kagera Sugar, hivyo haininyimi usingizi na kikosi cha wachezaji wangu ni kizuri kinachoweza kufanya maajabu siku hiyo mbele ya watazamaji kwenye mchezo ninaouhesabu ni wa mwisho wa kufunga mwaka, " alisema Mayanja.

Hata hivyo alisema pamoja na kuanza kuifundisha timu hiyo katikati ya msimu wa ligi, lakini mchezo wao na Simba ndiyo utakaokuwa wa kumaliza msimu.

Alisema baada ya mchezo huo , watabakiza mchezo mmoja dhidi ya AFC ya Arusha utakaofanyika Aprili 10 mwaka huu mkoani Kagera.

"Kwetu ni mchezo muhimu kwa mwaka huu na ushindi wetu utategemea maamuzi mazuri ya wachezeshaji wa mchezo huo …vijana wangu watacheza vizuri na kutoa burudani itakayowezesha kupata ushindi utakaotuweka vyema kwenye harakati ya kusaka nafasi ya tatu," alisema Mayanja.

Naye Kocha Msaidizi wa timu hiyo, Mrage Kabange, alisema lengo ni kuishinda Simba ili kuweka hai matumaini ya kuwania nafasi ya tatu ambayo inanyemelewa pia na Azam ya jijini Dar es Salaam.

"Hatuna matumaini ya kupata nafasi ya pili ama ya kwanza , hizi zipo mikononi mwa Simba na Yanga, kwetu sisi ambao tupo nafasi ya nne kwa sasa nguvu zetu ni kufikia nafasi ya tatu na hii itawezekana iwapo tutawafunga Simba," alisema Kabange.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Mkutano wabariki Katibu MZFA aenguliwe
Imeandikwa na Grace Chilongola, Mwanza; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 22:15 Imesomwa na watu: 37; Jumla ya maoni: 0








MKUTANO Mkuu wa Chama cha Soka Mkoa wa Mwanza (MZFA), umeridhia kumuengua madarakani Katibu Mkuu aliyesimamishwa,

Epaphra Swai.

Maamuzi hayo yalifikiwa kwenye mkutano wa chama hicho uliofanyika mwishoni mwa wiki uliofanyika Uwanja wa CCM Kirumba.

Menyekiti wa MZFA, Jackson Songora amesema baada ya kujadili kwa kina ajenda ya kusimamishwa kwa Katibu huyo, idadi ya wajumbe wengi waliamua kumuweka kando kutokana na sababu mbalimbali.

Songora alisema wajumbe 13 walioshiriki katika Mkutano Mkuu walitaka Katibu huyo kurejeshwa kwenye nafasi yake huku 23 wakipinga asirejeshwe.

"Ajenda hiyo ya kumjadili Katibu Mkuu aliyesimamishwa ilichukua muda mrefu, baada ya wajumbe kuijadili kwa kina na baadaye tukatumia vipengele vya Katiba yetu kwa wajumbe kupiga kura na wengi walikataa kumrejesha, "alisema Songora.

Alisema licha ya Swai kupewa nafasi ya kujieleza kujibu tuhuma zilizosababisha asimamishwe, lakini wajumbe ndio wenye kauli ya mwisho kwa

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Kado aachwa kikosi cha vijana

Imeandikwa na Betram Lengama; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 21:00 Imesomwa na watu: 121; Jumla ya maoni: 0








KIPA Shaaban Kado ameachwa kwenye kikosi cha timu ya Taifa ya vijana chini ya umri wa miaka 23 (Vijana Stars) ambacho kinaenda Cameroon kwa ajili ya mchezo wa kuwania kufuzu fainali za Olimpiki zitakazofanyika mwakani, London Uingereza.

Kado hatosafiri na kikosi hicho cha vijana kwa sababu Taifa Stars mwishoni mwa wiki hii, itakuwa ikikabiliwa na mechi dhidi ya Jamhuri ya Afrika ya Kati katika michuano ya kuwania fainali za Mataifa ya Afrika (AFCON) itakayofanyika Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Dar es Salaam.

Ofisa Habari wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF) , Boniface Wambura amesema kuwa kikosi hicho cha vijana kitaondoka kesho, ambapo msafara utaongozwa na Mjumbe wa Kamati ya Utendaji ya TFF, Athumani Kambi.

Wachezaji ambao watasafiri ni Faraji Kabali, Amour Suleiman, Cosmas Lewis, Jamal Mnyate, Salum Telela, Omega Seme, Musa Gharib, Abdulrahim Shaaban, Zahoro Pazi na Issa Rashid.

Wengine ni Himid Mao, Salum Aboubakar, Mcha Khamis, Samuel Ngasa, Shomari Kapombe, Babu Ally, Bakari Hamis na Thomas Ulimwengu ambaye alikuwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC) akifanya majaribio na timu ya TP Mazembe.

Kwa upande wa viongozi ni Kocha Mkuu Jamhuri Kihwelo ‘Julio' na msaidizi wake Ayoub Mohamed, Meneja wa timu Mohamed Rishard, daktari Joachim Mshanga na mtunza vifaa Edward Venance.

Wakati huohuo, timu ya taifa ya Jamhuri ya Afrika Kati (CAR), ambayo itaumana na Taifa Stars Jumamosi kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa imeanza kuwasili nchini kwa mafungu tayari kwa mchezo huo wa Kundi D.

Wambura alisema baadhi ya wachezaji wa kikosi hicho cha CAR wamekwishawasili na kundi lingine lilitarajiwa kuwasili Machi 22.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Wachezaji Yanga hatarini kufungiwa

Imeandikwa na Betram Lengama; Tarehe: 22nd March 2011 @ 20:00 Imesomwa na watu: 168; Jumla ya maoni: 0

Kikosi cha Yanga





BAADHI ya wachezaji wa timu ya soka ya Yanga watakabiliwa na adhabu kutoka Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF), endapo watabainika walifanya vurugu katika mchezo wa Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara dhidi ya Majimaji ya Songea uliofanyika Februari 5 mjini Songea.

Hatari hiyo ya kukabiliwa na adhabu imekuja baada ya Kamati ya Mashindano ya TFF kukutana mwishoni mwa wiki iliyopita Dar es Salaam kwa ajili ya kupitia ripoti za mashindano mbalimbali ikiwemo ligi kuu kubaini utovu wa nidhamu uliofanywa na wachezaji wa timu hiyo katika mchezo huo.

Kwa mujibu wa ripoti ya mchezo huo wachezaji hao inadaiwa walivunja mlango wa mamantilie na viti katika Uwanja wa Majimaji pamoja na mashabiki wake kutaka kumvamia mwamuzi baada ya mchezo huo ambao timu hizo zilitoka suluhu.

Ofisa Habari wa TFF, Boniface Wambura amesema kuwa pamoja na Kamati ya Mashindano kubaini makosa hayo wameamua kuyapeleka kwenye Kamati ya Nidhamu.

"Licha ya kanuni kueleza adhabu kwa makosa hayo, kujirudia mara kwa mara na mengine kufanyika nje ya uwanja, Kamati ya Mashindano imeyaandikia taarifa na kuyawasilisha kwenye Kamati ya Nidhamu ikipendekeza adhabu zaidi kwa wahusika," alisema Wambura.

Wachezaji wengine wanaokabiliwa na adhabu ni pamoja na kipa wa Mtibwa, Shaaban Kado ambaye inadaiwa alimtukana matusi ya nguoni mwamuzi wa mchezo huo ulioikutanisha timu yake na Toto Africans uliofanyika Uwanja wa CCM Kirumba, Mwanza.

Kado alitolewa nje kutokana na utovu huo wa nidhamu baada ya kuonyeshwa kadi nyekundu na mwamuzi huyo, ambapo kocha wa Toto Africans, Choke Abeid naye anakabiliwa na adhabu kama hiyo kutokana na kudaiwa kutenda kosa kama hilo timu yake ilipomenyana na Simba kwenye uwanja huohuo.

Wengine inaopendekeza wapewe adhabu ni wachezaji wawili wa Kagera Sugar, Msafiri Devon na David Luhende wanaodaiwa kumrushia mwamuzi chupa za maji wakati wa mchezo na Yanga.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Man Utd owners report loss


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 10:56 AM ET
Manchester United's owners made a £108.9million loss last year, according to their latest set of accounts.
The loss by Red Football Joint Venture, the Glazer family's parent company that owns United, include some one-off costs from setting up the £526million bond scheme last year to replace their bank loans, according to accounts filed at Companies House.


The lack of income from selling players also contributed to the loss for the year ending June 30, 2010 - the previous year the company had recorded £21million profit thanks largely to the £80million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last year's losses included £30.2million interest on their £220million payment in kind (PIK) loans which have since been paid off.
United's club accounts were published in October and revealed losses of £83.6million - the PIK interest payment is not included in the club accounts - but club chief executive David Gill said then there was £165million in the club's bank account and that they were in a healthy position.
Gill said in October: "We have money in the bank so there is zero pressure on that, no pressure at all to sell any star player.
"The philosophy is to retain and attract the best players. We have £165million in the bank but in some ways we would prefer to have £80million in the bank and Ronaldo on the pitch."
The highest loss recorded by a Premier League club was Chelsea's £132million in 2005.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Torres 'not anxious' over drought


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 3:46 PM ET
Fernando Torres insists his Chelsea goal drought is not making him feel 'anxious', saying: "It's an issue for the papers, not me."
The Spaniard is yet to open his account for the Blues since completing a record-breaking £50million move from Liverpool during the January transfer window.
Having drawn another blank on his last outing against Manchester City, Torres has now gone seven games without a goal for his new employers.


He is confident he will soon break his duck, though, with Chelsea's recent return to form suggesting opportunities will come his way.
For now he is more concerned about helping the Blues stage a late push for the Premier League title, with his own personal targets having to be put to one side.
"I am not anxious about the fact that I haven't scored my first goal for Chelsea," Torres said after linking up with the Spain national side ahead of a Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic on Friday.
"This is an issue for the papers, not for me.
"I am confident that the goal will soon come, but it is more important that Chelsea win than I score."
Torres believes Carlo Ancelotti's side are still capable of defending their top flight title, with just nine points now separating the Blues from leaders Manchester United, while they also have a game in hand.
"I came to Chelsea to win titles and make the most of my career," he said. "I would not count Chelsea out of the title race in the Premier League. There is still a chance."
The Blues are also chasing European glory in the UEFA Champions League this term and Torres admits he is looking forward to a crunch quarter-final clash with United, even if he would have preferred to have avoided a domestic rival.
"The Champions League game against Manchester United will be hard because they are the worst possible draw," he said. "The situation is 50/50, though, and we can go through.
"I am a fan of [Sir Alex] Ferguson because he is a coach that fights for victory, like [Pep] Guardiola, [Jose] Mourinho or [Rafa] Benitez.
"It is a delight for any player to work with this kind of coach and feed off their success."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Van Persie looks on bright side


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 3:34 PM ET
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie believes the Gunners have an advantage over Manchester United in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal have crashed out of the Champions League and FA Cup since their Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham, with their season now resting wholly on their success in the Premier League.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE ​

Sat., Mar. 19​

Tottenham 0-0 West Ham | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Wolves | Recap
Blackburn 2-2 Blackpool | Recap
Man Utd 1-0 Bolton | Recap
Stoke City 4-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 2-2 Arsenal | Recap
Wigan 2-1 Birmingham | Recap
Everton 2-1 Fulham | Recap

Sun., Mar. 20​

Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool | Recap
Chelsea 2-0 Man City | Recap

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​

Although Saturday's 2-2 draw at West Brom meant they lost more ground on the leaders, mathematically Arsene Wenger's men are still in the driving seat.
However, while nine straight victories from here on in - including their game in hand at arch-rivals Tottenham and when United come to the Emirates Stadium on May 1 - would secure a first championship since 2004, there is now also no more margin for error to keep things firmly in their own hands.
Van Persie - who took his season's tally to 15 goals with a late equaliser at The Hawthorns, where Arsenal had trailed 2-0 - believes with no other fixtures to distract them, the Gunners can deliver that long-overdue trophy.
Speaking to the Dutch edition of Goal.com, the Holland striker said: "It is a real blow that we threw away three trophies within the space of only three weeks. However, we still have another big objective and that is winning the Premier League title.
"We are five points behind Manchester United but have a game in hand, so we can narrow the gap to two points.
"It is actually an advantage that we are no longer active in other competitions, so we won't get distracted.
"We still have everything in our own hands and will do our utmost to win the league title, even though we have been dealt a few big blows in recent weeks."
Van Persie was controversially sent off in the Nou Camp for being shown a yellow card after shooting on goal just one second after Swiss referee Massimo Busacca had blown for offside - a whistle the Arsenal striker claimed he could not hear.
Both Gunners boss Wenger and midfielder Samir Nasri received one-match bans from UEFA for confronting the official at the end of the game.
Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday morning that they will decide early next week whether to appeal, with the UEFA report detailing the reasoning behind the bans expected by the end of this week. The Gunners have three days from receiving that report in which to lodge their intent to appeal.
Van Persie, though, does not want to dwell on the past.
"This is football. I don't feel like our loss was an injustice. These kinds of things are all part of the game," he said.
"Birmingham beat us in the final, but then lost the following four league games. The Premier League has been absolutely crazy this year.
"I hope that we learned something from the lost final, but you never know whether you actually did.
"When something goes wrong the first time, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will go better the next time."
Van Persie is one of 14 from Wenger's squad set to be away during the international break, with midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere likely to face off against each other when Wales host England on Saturday.
Captain Cesc Fabregas, England winger Theo Walcott and midfielder Alex Song are all expected back from injury when Arsenal resume their title challenge at home to Blackburn on April 2.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Djourou could be back in a month


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 3:31 PM ET
Johan Djourou could start training again in four weeks' time after Arsenal confirmed he does not need surgery on his dislocated shoulder.


The Switzerland international suffered the injury in the Gunners' FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United and there were fears initially he could miss the rest of the season.
But after exploratory surgery the club announced he will be able to return sooner than expected.
A statement on the club's website read: "Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has undergone exploratory surgery on his dislocated shoulder, sustained at Old Trafford in the recent FA Cup fixture against Manchester United.
"The club can confirm the positive news that there isn't a need for reconstructive surgery and he will now begin a period of rehabilitation on the shoulder before returning to training in around a month."



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• Report Abuse TripleOpticVision
  
  • 3/23/2011 4:20:00 AM
  yeah, i'm with epl2nba. this is how we keep getting suckered by the gunners. let's just accept our lot and love our team, even when we plummet to the earth like a phoenix smacked down by the mighty hands of the gods. but i'm a cubs fan too, so i can totally adjust to that feeling of decaying hope.
  
• Report Abuse epl2nba
  
  • 3/23/2011 1:31:43 AM
  U guys crack me up, but I guess some levity to ease the pain is needed.
  
  Yeah, 4 weeks time Arsenal might be eating itself so whats the dif, DJ isn't gonna be a savior for season. Well, the remaining Arsenal exhibition games might be better than your ave play for nuttin games.
  
• Report Abuse NashvilleGunner
  
  • 3/22/2011 5:46:44 PM
  This is great great news! Now if we can keep from screwing the pooch until he returns...who knows...
  
  Oh and we need to make sure Denilson isn't allowed on the pitch....
  
• Report Abuse goonerkraft
  
  • 3/22/2011 5:15:27 PM
  Wish I had heard this news before I slit my wrists...
  
• Report Abuse Bananagrabber
  
  • 3/22/2011 3:52:15 PM
  Every arsenal poster here has been slitting their wrists over the last week (not without reason) but this is actually pretty huge news. Get Lehman in goal and Djourou back in D with Kos and there's a legitimate chance to not **** up too badly
  

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[Rutashubanyuma]

Gerrard close to Reds return


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 2:29 PM ET
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could return to training next week - just over a fortnight after undergoing surgery on a groin problem.
The midfielder had his operation on March 10 and was initially ruled out for a month but there is an outside chance he could face West Brom - and former Reds manager Roy Hodgson - at the Hawthorns on April 2.


However, much will depend on the 30-year-old's rehabilitation and he will not be pushed back into action early if the club's medical staff are not certain he is fully fit.
In a boost for Kenny Dalglish, Gerrard could be joined in training next week by Martin Kelly, who has been out with a hamstring injury since February 27.
There is also positive news over Jonjo Shelvey, who had a knee operation in early February, and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring).
"They're all improving. Fingers crossed, we will have Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard back training by the middle of next week," said first team coach Steve Clarke.
"We hope the same for Jonjo Shelvey, who has been out for a long time. Fabio Aurelio is also making good progress.
"They're our four longer-term injuries, the ones that have been causing us a bit of concern recently, but hopefully they'll all join in training next week."
Liverpool have been fortunate in that the forthcoming international matches mean they have had only two Premier League games and two Europa League fixtures in March.

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Next month is busier, with key games against Manchester City and Arsenal, but the first target is the Baggies and to have the likes of Gerrard and Kelly back would be a significant boost as they attempt to reel in fifth-placed Tottenham.
"We'll have to look at the situation when we get them back and see what shape they're in," added Clarke.
"If they're in contention (for West Brom) it's a bonus for us, but if they're not we've got other difficult matches coming up next month and if they're ready for them then it will be good for the football club.
"It will be a difficult month in April with a lot of tough games, but if we can have our full squad ready to go then we'll look forward to the challenge."
After back-to-back league wins the international break may be something of a hindrance but Clarke accepts it is part and parcel of the modern game.
And despite the break in their campaign the former Chelsea assistant manager is confident the players will be able to pick up their form quickly.
He feels the 2-0 win at Sunderland, coming three days after their Europa League last-16 exit at home to Braga, showed there is plenty of character within the squad.
"Everybody at the football club was disappointed when we went out of Europe at such an early stage, but I think they bounced back at Stadium of Light which is a difficult place to go and get a result," he said.
""I think it tells you the players are willing to work for the club. They want to work hard.
"The players have proven they can bounce back from disappointments and as everybody in football knows, that's very important."



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• Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
  
  • 3/22/2011 10:19:21 PM
  well I hope they don't rush stuff, we could wait an extra week I think. Even though SG would probably like to play against the reanimated uncle. I'm really happy to hear about Kelly's progression. Lets us play the 3-5 and I think that option will be needed in a few weeks.
  
  Cheers guys.
  
  So spidie you think Juve can pony up the cash for Aquaman or are we gonna get stiffed.
  
• Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
  
  • 3/22/2011 5:07:32 PM
  Looks like Liverpool is getting back to full health just in time for the stretch run. Kelly's return will be a boost as well
  
• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 3/22/2011 12:57:43 PM
  Yes, very funny, but it was really a hernia operation not a muscle tear so it's simply a healing process not a conditioning issue with the associated problem of constantly re-injuring it.
  
• Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
  
  • 3/22/2011 11:57:05 AM
  In the words of Dennis Miller "there is no such thing as a minor groin injury"
  

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[Rutashubanyuma]

Duo tell Reds to tie Dalglish down


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 2:26 PM ET
Ian Rush and John Barnes believe Kenny Dalglish should be offered a permanent deal at Anfield after reviving Liverpool's season.
The 60-year-old Scot has engineered Liverpool's rise from just outside the relegation zone to sixth place after taking over from Roy Hodgson in early January.


And Dalglish, often regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player, has won the support of the fans, which Rush believes is key in creating success at Anfield.
"I think everyone that knows Kenny knows what he's all about. His philosophy is no one is bigger than the club and it's a privilege to play for the club," Rush said at the launch of Hyundai's new Boot Shoot iPhone application.
"One thing's for certain, the supporters love him and they want him [to get a long-term contract], the players are playing as if they respect him and they want him to get it so yeah, hopefully he will be there this time next year but Kenny will only do what is best for the club.
"I think Kenny does take one game at a time and as long as [Liverpool] keep on winning his case will strengthen."
And Barnes echoed the sentiments of his former team-mate.
"The fans love him," he said, "You can see the reaction of the players because of the reaction of the fans to Kenny.
"Then of course there is the quality he has in man management in terms of organisation and the way he wants to play.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE ​

Sat., Mar. 19​

Tottenham 0-0 West Ham | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Wolves | Recap
Blackburn 2-2 Blackpool | Recap
Man Utd 1-0 Bolton | Recap
Stoke City 4-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 2-2 Arsenal | Recap
Wigan 2-1 Birmingham | Recap
Everton 2-1 Fulham | Recap

Sun., Mar. 20​

Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool | Recap
Chelsea 2-0 Man City | Recap

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​

"The euphoria of Kenny being there gives him an advantage.
Liverpool and Kenny are a match made in heaven.
"I'm not the owner but I think Kenny should be given the job in terms of what he's achieved."
And that achievement has seen Liverpool accrue 20 points from the 10 Premier League matches where Dalglish has been in temporary charge along with the signing of a potentially great new strike partnership.
Dalglish captured England centre-forward Andy Carroll in the January transfer window to partner Luis Suarez who joined the Reds from Ajax in the same month.
Rush, who forged a prolific strike partnership with Dalglish in the 1980s, believes Carroll and Suarez will develop into an equally fearsome prospect by next season.
"I think it will be [a great partnership] but it needs time to develop.
I think they need a good pre-season together, all practice games and next year I think you'll be seeing the best of them.
"They're two completely different players and they give you different options. Carroll is not 100% fit yet but I think his partnership with Suarez can only get better and better.
"I think we're looking to the future not the present, and in Carroll and Suarez Kenny is looking to the future as well."
However, Barnes was quick to warn fans not to get too carried away with Liverpool's revival unless owner John W Henry makes funds available to whoever is finally put in charge.
"Kenny's had a fantastic start but now they have to build on that," Barnes said.
"The only way to build on that is to invest in the club to get better players, a better squad, a bigger squad, because I don't want the fans all of a sudden to look at this season and think next year we're going to win the league.
"We can win the league if there's investment but if that doesn't happen and we see Manchester City threatening, Chelsea threatening, Liverpool will then maximise the full potential of the squad to finish in the top five.
"We want to push on, and for us to push on, even with Kenny, we still need more investment in the club to get better players."



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• Report Abuse PowderScouser
  
  • 3/22/2011 11:55:54 PM
  "smoke at the Vatican"? Hey buddy, that was my line. Come on now, credit where due.
  But seriously, back to the race, this Suarez/Carroll partnership should be put on the back burner. Too much long ball temptation. Kuyt/Suarez was unstoppable and we need max points from every game now.
  
• Report Abuse ynwa_in_la
  
  • 3/22/2011 10:25:31 PM
  If Kenny is comfortable waiting till seasons end, I'm fine with it. But its going to be kind of like watching for smoke at the Vatican for the faithful.
  

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[Rutashubanyuma]

Given keen to send out message


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 8:56 AM ET
Shay Given believes Manchester City will be sending out a significant statement of intent if they can secure a place in the Champions League.
City slipped to fourth place in the Premier League following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea and face a battle to hold on to it, with Tottenham four points behind having played a game less.


Spurs could finish outside the qualification zone and still deny City by winning the Champions League, but that looks a tall order for Harry Redknapp's men.
However, just like last season, a late-season Premier League meeting between City and Spurs at Eastlands could prove decisive.
Last term it was Tottenham who came out on top but Given feels if City manage it this term, it would be a warning to Europe's top clubs that the Blues have arrived.
"It would be a huge statement to other European clubs," Given told Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National.
"It would show we are going to be around for a long time and that we are going to be the team to watch over the coming years.
"The club would be able to attract more players in the summer and keep some of the ones we already have happy.
"Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. It would have been fantasy stuff to the fans a few years ago to think City might have teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid at Eastlands. Now there is a realistic chance of it happening."
With just two wins from their last seven league games, City's title aspirations have disappeared.
However, they still have an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United on the horizon and while fourth place does not bring a trophy, the prize is hardly insignificant.
"We started the season wanting to win the league, you've got to aim high," said Given.
"It looks like we're going to fall a bit short of that. The next best thing is to get in the Champions League. Nobody wants to finish fourth, they want to finish at the top.
"But as the season has progressed we've dropped too many points and it looks as though the most realistic chance is the Champions League."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Mensah's red card is rescinded


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 2:07 PM ET
Sunderland defender John Mensah has seen his red card in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool rescinded by the Football Association.


The Ghana international was dismissed after tangling with Reds striker Luis Suarez eight minutes from time at the Stadium of Light.
That saw Mensah incur a one-match suspension but the Black Cats opted to appeal the decision and that has proved successful.
Mensah will now be available to manager Steve Bruce for the visit to Manchester City after the international break on April 3.
"We thank the Football Association for considering our appeal," Bruce told the club's official website. "Naturally we are delighted he will be available for the game against Manchester City."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

O'Neill: Players are in charge now


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 2:11 PM ET
Former Aston Villa and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admits that football clubs no longer possess as much power as players.
High-profile cases of player power have seen contracts renegotiated in recent years, while others have forced through transfers to a new club.
Wayne Rooney's transfer request is the most pertinent recent example and was raised in the Culture Media and Sport Committee's Football Governance inquiry.

BARCLAY'S PREMIER LEAGUE ​

Sat., Mar. 19​

Tottenham 0-0 West Ham | Recap
Aston Villa 0-1 Wolves | Recap
Blackburn 2-2 Blackpool | Recap
Man Utd 1-0 Bolton | Recap
Stoke City 4-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 2-2 Arsenal | Recap
Wigan 2-1 Birmingham | Recap
Everton 2-1 Fulham | Recap

Sun., Mar. 20​

Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool | Recap
Chelsea 2-0 Man City | Recap

BPL Scores | Table | Fixtures​

The England international looked certain to leave Manchester United in October after handing in a transfer request but, days later, signed a new five-year deal with the club.
O'Neill believes the Rooney case is a prime example of the increasing power footballers hold over their respective clubs and the negative impact agents can have on the game.
"You would hope that if you sign a player, for instance, on a four-year deal that you would have some control [over their future]," he said.
"But really [I think] the control has left the football clubs and gone to the players and therefore the agents.
"I think that is one of the major changes I have seen to the game.
"When I started out, the player had no control whatsoever to the behest of the football club and now it has gone a full circle.
"I think that the players are in charge now, which is a bit of a shame really."
The 59-year-old also pinpointed the 1995 Bosman ruling as a change in power, where Jean-Marc Bosman won the right to move freely to another side at the end of his contract.
The European Court of Justice's ruling has had a profound effect on the transfers of players within the European Union and, although admitting the player "quite rightly" won his case, O'Neill pinpointed it as the catalyst to a somewhat negative change in football
"The fall-out from that there was extensive," he said. "So much so that we're possibly debating the idea that football itself could have its own rules.
"I think there is certainly a case for that because the minute there was a possibility of a player having a bit of difficulty with his contract suddenly he could go to European law and find a loophole that sorts things out.
"Clubs were finding out loopholes as they were going along.
"For instance, a player with two years left on his contract was in a position - by some sort of law made way back I think during King John's day - that he could actually get out of his contract.
"Certainly in his last year he could buy his way out and agents were using these to manipulate situations."
Former Reading and Crystal Palace boss Steve Coppell echoed O'Neill's sentiments, adding: "I think we can realistically say now that for most good players that a contract is actually at least 12 months shorter than the reality because you have to protect that asset.
"You [have to negotiate] at least 12 months before and that with the combination of increased TV income has made it increasingly inflationary."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Corluka urges Spurs revival


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 9:12 AM ET
Vedran Corluka is insisting Tottenham go on a winning run if they want to secure a second consecutive top-four finish this season.
Spurs have enjoyed an impressive debut Champions League campaign this term, overcoming the likes of Inter and AC Milan to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Spanish giants Real Madrid.


But Harry Redknapp's men have failed to find a Premier League win since their European victory over the Rossoneri at the San Siro last month, losing to Blackpool and drawing with Wolves and West Ham.
Croatia international Corluka knows they must turn things around if they want to bring Champions League football to White Hart Lane for the second successive year.
"We just need to start winning games again," Corluka said in the Daily Star.
"We need to get three points if we want to keep up our top-four challenge.
"We have a lot of games in April and we need to start another run going now. Our focus on each match shouldn't be difficult.
"We have to enjoy these games. To play for a place in the top four and the Champions League is a great thing for everyone at the club."
Defender Corluka feels Spurs' progression over the last few years has been astonishing, adding: "We have to remember where we were three years ago. It's incredible really.
"If you had told me then we would be challenging for the top four and in the last eight of the Champions League I would have thought you were crazy."
Tottenham's recent slump has left them outside the top four and four points adrift of nearest rivals Manchester City, albeit with a game in hand.
Manager Redknapp believes City now have the edge over Spurs in the race for the fourth Champions League spot, saying: "Most people's money would be on Manchester City.
"They are the favourites and they should be. I think the Tottenham squad is not really big in comparison to a lot of others."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

McLeish looks to Blues veterans


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Updated Mar 22, 2011 8:02 AM ET
Alex McLeish will give his youngsters a rest over the final nine games as he looks to Birmingham's experienced heads to lead them to safety.
Blues slipped to second-bottom in the Premier League after their last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Wigan on Saturday.


McLeish has been impressed with the contribution of youngsters Jordon Mutch and Nathan Redmond, who have both recently signed new contracts, but he knows his battle-hardened campaigners hold the key to City ensuring top-flight football for a third successive season.
McLeish said: "At this stage of the season, you are looking to get the experienced guys into the team.
"We have young Jordon in there and he's had a great couple of games for us.
"But I don't want to have to rely on a young kid to steer us out of trouble. It's too much pressure on him.
"We've got guys who have got the experience and knowledge and it's important that they perform for us.
"It's about having those players available as well, of course. It doesn't help when they are injured or coming back from injury and trying to gain full fitness and sharpness."
McLeish's squad has been badly hit by injuries in recent weeks but he is hopeful of having more players available after the international break.