Michezo magazetini leo...

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CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup Champions Kilimanjaro Stars players cheer as they lift high their trophy. They beat Ivory Coast 1-0 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. (Photo by Fadhili Akida)

 

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Kili Stars mabingwa Chalenji

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 13th December 2010 @ 06:31

TIMU ya soka ya Taifa ya Tanzania Bara, Kilimanjaro Stars jana ilimaliza ukame wa kukaa miaka 16 bila kupata Kombe la Chalenji baada ya kutwaa ubingwa huo kwa kuifunga Ivory Coast kwa bao 1-0 katika mechi ya fainali iliyochezwa kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa Dar es Salaam.

Mara ya mwisho Kilimanjaro Stars ilitwaa Kombe hilo mwaka 1994 ikiwa chini ya Kocha Sylersaid Mziray (marehemu) akisaidiwa na Sunday Kayuni ambaye kwa sasa ni Mkurugenzi wa Ufundi wa Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF). Kabla ya hapo Stars iliwahi kutwaa ubingwa kwa mara ya kwanza mwaka 1974.

Aliyelirudisha Kombe hilo kwenye ardhi ya Tanzania baada ya miaka 16 ni nahodha wa Stars, Shadrack Nsajigwa aliyefunga bao kwa mkwaju wa penati katika dakika ya 41.

Penati hiyo ilitolewa na mwamuzi Bamlak Tessama wa Ethiopia baada ya mchezaji N'goran Kouassi wa Ivory Coast kuunawa mpira eneo la hatari.

Nsajigwa alipiga penati hiyo kwa ustadi, akipiga shuti lililokwenda upande wa kushoto mwa nyavu za wapinzani huku kipa wa Ivory Coast, Sangare Badra Ali akienda kulia.

Hata hivyo katika kipindi cha pili timu zilishambuliana kwa zamu na kuna wakati Stars ilionekana kuelemewa kwani ilikuwa ikiruhusu mashambulizi ya mara kwa mara katika lango lake, kitu ambacho hata kocha wa Kili Stars Jan Poulsen alikiri na kuongeza kwamba pamoja na ushindi lakini wapinzani wao walionesha soka safi na kuwazidi kiwango.

Michuano ya mwaka huu imemalizika kwa neema kubwa kwani mbali na kutwaa ubingwa, Nsajigwa amepata tuzo ya mchezaji bora wa michuano hii iliyotumia takriban wiki mbili huku Juma Kaseja akipata tuzo ya kipa bora baada ya kuruhusu kufungwa bao moja ambalo lilikuwa katika mechi ya ufunguzi dhidi ya Zambia ambapo Stars ilifungwa bao 1-0.

Mfungaji bora wa michuano hiyo ni Felix Sunzu wa Zambia aliyefunga mabao matano na timu yenye nidhamu ni Somalia.

Kwa ushindi huo, Kilimanjaro Stars imepata dola za Marekani 30,000 huku Ivory Coast ikipata Dola za Marekani 20,000 na Uganda iliyoshika nafasi ya tatu ikipata dola 10,000.

Uganda iliyotwaa ubingwa mara mbili mfululizo mwaka juzi na mwaka jana ilitema Kombe baada ya kufungwa na Kilimanjaro Stars katika mechi ya nusu fainali kwa mikwaju ya penati 4-3, na hivyo ‘kuangukia' nafasi ya tatu baada ya jana kuifunga Ethiopia mabao 4-3.

Kilimanjaro Stars jana si tu iliweka historia ya kutwaa ubingwa huo baada ya miaka 15, lakini pia imeweka historia kwa uongozi wa soka nchini TFF kutwaa taji la kwanza tangu kuingia madarakani takriban miaka mitano iliyopita.

Aidha, Kocha Poulsen raia wa Denmark amekuwa mwenye bahati kwa kutwaa ubingwa miezi minne tu tangu kuiongoza timu, hali inayowapa matumaini Watanzania kwamba huenda mambo mazuri yanakuja siku za usoni.

Poulsen alichukua nafasi ya Mbrazili Marcio Maximo Agosti mwaka huu aliyeiongoza Tanzania kwa miaka mitatu na kwa kipindi chote alichokuwa nchini hajaipatia Kilimanjaro Stars ubingwa.

Mwaka jana ilishika nafasi ya nne chini yake baada ya kufungwa na Zambia kwenye Uwanja wa Nyayo Nairobi, Kenya.

Kilimanjaro Stars: Juma Kaseja, Shadrack Nsajigwa, Idrissa Rajab/Kigi Makasi/Ramadhani Shamte, Kelvin Yondani, Jabir Aziz, Shaaban Nditi, John Bocco/ Henri Joseph, Nurdin Bakari, Stefano Mwasika, Salum Machaku na Juma Nyosso.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Mwanahabari amrithi Mwakalebela TFF

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 13th December 2010 @ 07:00

WAANDISHI wa habari waandamizi nchini, Angetile Osiah na Boniface Wambura, wameula baada ya kupata nafasi za uongozi ndani ya Shirikisho la Soka Tanzania (TFF).

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Dar es Salaam jana, Rais wa TFF Leodegar Tenga alisema Osiah ameteuliwa kuwa Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho hilo na Wambura ameteuliwa kuwa Ofisa Habari.

Angetile kwa sasa ni msanifu mkuu wa gazeti la Mwananchi, pia aliwahi kuwa Mhariri wa michezo wa gazeti hilo, kabla ya hapo aliwahi kufanya kazi kwenye kituo cha televisheni cha TBC1 na pia aliwahi kuwa mhariri wa michezo wa gazeti la Nipashe.

Kwa upande wa Wambura mpaka anapata nafasi hiyo ni Mhariri wa Habari wa gazeti la JamboLeo na kabla ya hapo aliwahi kufanya kazi gazeti la Majira, aliwahi pia kuwa Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha waandishi wa habari za michezo nchini (Taswa) kwa miaka sita kabla ya kumaliza muda wake katika uchaguzi uliofanyika Agosti mwaka huu.

Tenga alisema kamati ya Utendaji pia imemteua Jimmy Kabwe ambaye amewahi kuwa mtangazaji wa vituo mbalimbali vya redio na runinga kuwa Ofisa Masoko wa TFF.

Tenga alisema, nafasi ya Kabwe imefuatia kufanyiwa marekebisho kwa muundo wa Sekretarieti ya TFF kulikofanyika hivi karibuni ambayo pamoja na mambo mengine yaliongeza Idara ya Masoko na Matukio itakayoshughulikia suala muhimu la utafutaji udhamini na kuboresha mahusiano baina ya TFF na wadhamini, wadau wake.

" Kamati ya Utendaji ya TFF katika kikao chake maalumu kilichofanyika Desemba 11,2010 mjini Dar es Salaam kwa uwezo iliyonayo kwa mujibu wa katiba kuwateua Angetile Osiah kuwa Katibu Mkuu wa TFF na Boniface Wambura kuwa Ofisa Habari, aidha Kamati ya Utendaji pia imemteua Jimmy Kabwe kuwa Mkurugenzi wa Masoko na Matukio," alisema Tenga.

Uteuzi wa Katibu Mkuu na Ofisa habari umekuja baada ya nafasi kuwa wazi kutokana na aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu Fredrick Mwakalebela na Ofisa Habari Florian Kaijage kumaliza muda wao Julai mwaka huu.

"Kitaaluma Osiah ni msomi wa shahada ya Sayansi ya Jamii kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam na pia amehudhuria kozi nyingi katika taaluma yake ndani na nje ya nchi na amebobea katika tasnia ya habari na amekuwa akishikilia nafasi mbalimbali za vyombo vya habari nchini," alisema Tenga.

"Kwa upande wa Wambura ni msomi wa Shahada ya Sheria katika Chuo kikuu cha Tumaini na pia ana shahada katika tasnia ya habari, amehudhuria mafunzo mbalimbali ya uandishi wa habari wa michezo ndani na nje ya nchi katika ngazi mbalimbali," alisema Tenga.

Tenga alisema maombi waliyopokea kwa nafasi ya Katibu Mkuu ni 64 na nafasi ya Ofisa Habari kulikuwa na maombi 44 na kwamba kati ya hao 17 walipita katika mchujo wa mwanzo wa Katibu Mkuu na 11 alipita katika mchujo wa Ofisa Habari na walioitikia wito wa usaili wa Katibu Mkuu ni 15 na Ofisa habari ni 10 na hatimaye majina ya watano bora katika kila nafasi yalipokewa na Kamati ya Utendaji Katika kikoa chake cha Jumamosi.

"Sifa za ziada kwa waliopata nafasi hizo ni wapole, wanyenyekevu na wana msimamo na kazi zao," alisema Tenga.

 

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Wasanii Tusker Project Fame kutumbuiza Stars, Ivory Coast

Imeandikwa na Mwandishi Wetu; Tarehe: 11th December 2010 @ 23:45

WASANII wanne waliofika fainali za shindano la Tusker Project Fame kwa mwaka huu lililomalizika mwishoni mwa wiki iliyopita leo watatumbuiza mashabiki wa soka ambao watakwenda Uwanja wa Taifa kushuhudia mechi ya fainali ya Cecafa Tusker Cup 2010 kati ya timu ya Tanzania Bara ‘Kili Stars' na Ivory Coast .

Wasanii hao wanne ni pamoja na mshindi wa shindano hilo Mganda Davies Ntare, mshindi wa pili Peter Musechu kutoka Tanzania, Stephen Nyabwa (Kenya) na Amileena Mwenesi ambaye alikuwa mwanadada pekee aliyefuzu hatua hiyo.

Kwa mujibu wa Mkurugenzi wa Masoko wa Kampuni ya Bia ya Serengeti (SBL) Caroline Ndungu, wasanii hao wanne wamealikwa kutumbuiza katika sherehe za kufungwa kwa michuano hiyo ambayo ilianza kutimua vumbi jijini Dar es Salaam Novemba 17 mwaka huu.

Wasanii watatu ambao walifika hatua hiyo ya fainali Ntare, Nyabwa na Mwenesi waliwasili jana asubuhi kuungana na Msechu kwa ajili ya kutumbuiza mashabiki katika fainali za leo za michuano ya Chalenji.

 

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Wambura amrithi Kaijage TFF


Na Zahoro Mlanzi

KAMATI ya Utendaji ya Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF), limewateua Angetile Osiah kuwa Katibu Mkuu na Boniface Wambura kuwa Ofisa Habari wa shirikisho hilo.Akizungumza Dar es Salaam jana, Rais wa shirikisho hilo, Leodeger Tenga, alisema
uteuzi huo umetokana na nafasi zilizoachwa wazi na aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu, Fredrick Mwakalebela na Ofisa Habari, Florian Kaijage, ambapo mikataba yao ilimalizika tangu Julai, mwaka huu.

Alisema walipokea maombi 64 kwa nafasi ya ukatibu na 44 kwa nafasi ya ofisa habari, ambapo katika mchujo wa awali uliofanywa na Kampuni ya AMARON, 17 walipita kwa upande wa ukatibu na 11 kwa uofisa habari.

"Kamati hiyo ilikutana jana (juzi) katika kikao maalumu na kuteua majina hayo pamoja kumteua Jimmy Kabwe kuwa Mkurugenzi wa Masoko na Matukio, kwani wanaamini Kabwe ataiweza nafasi hiyo katika masuala ya uhamasishaji na kufuatilia wadhamini," alisema Tenga.

Akimzungumzia Osiah, alisema ana Shahada ya Sayansi ya Jamii kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam (UDSM), amehudhuria kozi nyingi katika taaluma yake ya uandishi wa habari, ni Mhariri wa Habari wa magazeti ya Mwananchi.

Kwa upande wa Wambura, alisema ni msomi wa Shahada ya sheria kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Tumaini, na Stashahada ya Tasnia ya Habari, amehudhuria kozi mbalimbali za uandishi wa habari na pia ni Mhariri Mkuu wa gazeti la Jambo Leo.Aliongeza, viongozi hao walioteuliwa wataanza kazi baada ya kumalizia majukumu yao katika kampuni wanazotoka kwa kuweka mambo sawa.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Rahaaa, utamu


*Kili kidedea Chalenji

Na Zahoro Mlanzi
TIMU ya Taifa ya Tanzania Bara 'Kilimanjaro Stars', jana imetwaa ubingwa wa Kombe la Chalenji 2010, baada ya kuichapa Ivory Coast bao 1-0, katika mchezo uliopigwa Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam.Bao pekee lililoipa ubingwa Kili Stars, lilifungwa na
nahodha Shadrack Nsajigwa dakika ya 40, kwa mkwaju wa penalti, baada ya beki wa Ivory Coast N'goran Kouasi, kushika mpira ndani ya eneo la hatari, akiwa katika harakati za kuokoa shuti lililopigwa na Salum Machaku.

Kwa kutwaa ubingwa huo, Kili Stars ilikabidhiwa mfano wa hundi ya dola 30,000 na kikombe, huku Ivory Coast wakipewa mfano wa hundi ya dola 20,000, mabingwa waliopita Uganda 'The cranes', ilipata dola 10,000, baada ya kuifunga Ethiopia mabao 4-3.

Mbali na zawadi hizo, kipa wa Kili Stars, Juma Kaseja aliibuka kipa bora, na Nsajigwa aliibuka mchezaji bora huku mshambuliaji wa Zambia, Felix Sunzu, akiibuka kinara wa kupachika mabao kwa kufunga mabao matano.Katika mchezo huo wa jana, Kili Stars ilianza kucheza soka la taratibu huku ikionekana kuwasoma wapinzani wao, lakini dakika ya nane, Ivory Coast ilifanya shambulizi la kushtukiza, baada ya Dion Marc kupiga shuti lililodakwa na Kaseja.

Wakati mchezo huo ukiendelea, Kili Stars ilipata pigo dakika ya 11, baada ya Idrissa Rajab kutolewa nje baada ya kuumizwa vibaya na Kone Mahamoud, na nafasi yake kuchukuliwa na Kigi Makasi.

Dakika ya 17, Jabir Aziz wa Kili Stars alipiga shuti nje ya eneo la hatari, lakini lilipanguliwa na kuwa kona tasa. Kili Stars iliendeleza mashambulizi na dakika ya 40, Nsajigwa aliwainua mashabiki kwa kufunga bao kwa mkwaju wa penalti.

Kipindi cha pili kilianza kwa kasi huku Ivory Coast ikifanya mabadiliko, Mahamoudy alitoka na kuingia Kipre Tchetche na kufanya safu ya ushambuliaji ya Ivory kuimarika, kwani walizidisha mashambulizi.

Timu hizo ziliendelea kushambuliana kwa zamu, ambapo kwa nyakati tofauti Machaku ambaye alionekana mwiba kwa Ivory Coast, alipiga krosi zilizokosa wamaliziaji na nyingine kutoka nje ya goli.

Lakini, katika hali isiyotarajiwa, shabiki mmoja ambaye hakuweza kufahamika jina lake mara moja, aliingia uwanjani na kumpa jezi kipa Kaseja na baadaye maaskari walimtoa nje ya uwanja.

Katika mchezo wa kwanza wa kutafuta mshindi wa tatu, Uganda iliichapa Ethiopia mabao 4-3, mabao ya Uganda yalifungwa na Andrew Mwesiga dakika ya tano, Henry Kiseka dakika ya 48, Tonny Maweje dakika ya 52 na la ushindi lilifungwa na Matovu Sula dakika ya 72.

Mabao ya Ethiopia yalifungwa na Omod Okwury dakika ya pili na kuongeza lingine dakika ya 33 na Tesfaye Alebachew alihitimisha karamu ya mabao kwa kufunga bao la tatu dakika ya 67.Katika hatua nyingine, Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Zanzibar (ZFA), kitaandaa mechi maalum ya kuipongeza Kili Stars kwa kutwaa ubingwa, timu itakayocheza nayo, itatangazwa baadaye.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Furious Tevez points the finger at City hierarchy

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By David McDonnell

Carlos Tevez last night confirmed he wants to quit Manchester City following a rift with club executives Garry Cooke and Brian Marwood.
Tevez reacted furiously to City's suggestion that his agent Kia Joorabchian was behind his transfer request and intent on driving him out of the club.
In a bombshell statement, Tevez said he had not fallen out with City boss Roberto Mancini but said he had been unhappy at the club for some time – blaming Cook and Marwood for his imminent exit.
Tevez said he had been persuaded not to leave City in August but is now so disillusioned he sees leaving Eastlands as his only option. "I can confirm that I have handed a transfer request to the chairman," said Tevez.

http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/m...ct=home;templ=article;tile=8;oid=650301;ord=?
"Now I need to think because this is an important part of my career.
"My feelings have not changed and it is *regrettable we have reached this *situation.
"But it is something I have felt for some time and have spent many hours thinking this through.
"I wanted to leave in the summer, but was convinced to return to the club. Sadly, my feelings have not changed. I hugely resent the management's suggestions that I have been unduly influenced by others.
"I am disappointed that the management should see fit to try to portray the *situation in another light.
"My relationship with certain executives and *individuals at the club has broken down and is now beyond repair."
"I wish to clarify that I have no personal issue with the manager."
Despite City's insistence they will not allow Tevez to leave in January when the transfer window reopens, the striker is determined to force his way out of *Eastlands next month.
And Barcelona and Real Madrid will head the charge for the £50million striker, who has scored 39 goals in 60 games for City since defecting from Manchester United.
It emerged that City offered Tevez a seven-figure ‘sweetener' payment when he threatened to leave in August – in a bid to make him change his mind.
But the Tevez camp rejected the offer.

 

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Mancini can be the new Fergie - claims City no.2

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Neil McLeman

Brian Kidd claimed Roberto Mancini was the new Sir Alex Ferguson after Manchester City continued their title challenge with a win at West Ham.
Now, with the Carlos Tevez affair, Mario Balotelli's show of dissent at Upton Park, rebellious big-fee signings, concerns over the lifestyle of some of his English players, and the expectations of the owners it is fair to say Mancini's credentials are undergoing a thorough examination..
How he emerges will not only shape his own future, but also his club's growing Premier League ambitions.
Mancini's relationship with Tevez is clearly difficult as illustrated by the club captain's lack of respect when he was subbed in his last game.





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Wenger looking to land psychological blow at Old Trafford

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By John Cross

Arsene Wenger last night claimed Arsenal can strike a huge psychological blow in the title race at Old Trafford tonight.
Wenger is convinced victory over bitter rivals Manchester United will show they are ready to win the Premier League and end their five-year wait for silverware.
And Wenger could not resist a dig at United's unbeaten record by claiming Arsenal are the real winners because Sir Alex Ferguson's men have drawn so many games.
Arsenal boss Wenger said: "It's a big game for us because we know that we have to convince people that we can do well in the big games.


"We know as well that looking at the championship it's an important place to win points.
"At the moment, we are in a strong position in the league. We go away for a big game. One or two of the big games, we need to win away from home. That is what is at stake for us.
"It's more psychological for the rest of the season than a decider, mathematically.
"They have recent history going for them and, in fairness, they have always big teams. But we have built a team and slowly come up and now we have an opportunity to show we are ready for the championship title."
Arsenal have not won at Old Trafford since 2006 but, more significantly, they won at United on the way to winning the title in 1998 and 2002.
No-one can doubt the huge boost it would give a team to win at one of their closest rivals, especially as Arsenal have struggled against them and Chelsea in recent seasons.
United also appear to be on a good run as they have yet to lose in the Premier League this season - while Arsenal have lost four games already - but Fergie has endured seven draws.
Wenger believes his side - a point ahead of United who have a game in hand - are actually in better form because they have won more games. He also says his defence will have a point to prove having been exposed a few times this season.
"We have won at Man United before, recently not, but last year it was very very close and I personally think we are in a strong position," said Wenger. "We are questioned defensively so we can show there that defensively we have the answer.
"But if you look at the league, we only conceded two more goals than Man United and they have played a game less so they have one game less where they can concede goals.
"So basically, defensively we are not conceding more goals than Man United and we score similar.
"If you look at numbers and facts since start of the season they are the team that has more draws, we win more games, so that means we go there to win our game."
Wenger also believes victory would evoke memories of winning in 98 and 2002 on the way to the title.
"One time when we beat them and won the title it was after the Cup final and one time it was in March and we were on a run," said Wenger. "This time it's very early.
"We know that, away from home we need to have one or two positive results against the big teams and then, if we manage to beat them at home, we have a massive advantage."
Wenger has also admitted that he can understand England winger Theo Walcott's frustration at not being in Arsenal's starting line-up for the big games.
Walcott was a supersub as he came on and scored against Partizan Belgrade in midweek to help clinch Arsenal's place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
But despite that, Walcott is likely to be on the bench for the United game and that prompted him to admit his frustration.
Far from being annoyed at Walcott speaking out, however, Wenger said he likes that attitude which is a far cry from Nicklas Bendtner's recent arrogant boasts about how he should start more games.
Wenger said: "Frankly I can understand that because, for me, Theo Walcott is doing well. For me he is not an impact player he is a regular player. At the moment he does not play as often as he should but he will play soon.
"In fairness, Theo is fantastic. He attitude and behaviour has been absolutely great. What do you expect from a player who is not playing."





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Ferdinand tips Rooney to come back with a bang against Gunners

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By David McDonnell

Rio Ferdinand has warned Arsenal that Wayne Rooney is ready to end his goalscoring drought in spectacular fashion - starting tonight.
Rooney has not scored in open play for Manchester United since March 30, his two goals this season coming from the penalty spot in the Premier League and Champions League.
Injuries, a sex scandal and his ill-advised contract saga with United all combined to make it the worst start to a season in Rooney's career but close friend Ferdinand said the forward is close to returning to his best form.
And with Premier League leaders Arsenal visiting Old Trafford tonight, Ferdinand said Rooney's return to full fitness and sharpness could not have come at a better time for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.


"Everyone knows what happened over the last couple of weeks beforehand but Wayne's come back and he's looking sharp," said Ferdinand. "He didn't score in our last game but he looked sharp and set up a good number of chances for other people.
"It's only a matter of time before he scores and then goes on one of those runs where he scores loads of goals. Just having him back around the place in a good mood is fantastic. He's a great lad to have around and long may it continue.
"Arsenal are a good team but I'm concentrating more on what we've got in our dressing-room. I'm confident in our team and the individuals as a collective that we can go out there and beat any team and I'll be looking to do that on Monday."
United's next two games could go a long way to defining their title challenge. After tonight's encounter with Arsene Wenger's side, United travel to Chelsea next Sunday for another potentially seismic top-of-the-table clash.
And although this season's title race is shaping up to be one of the closest for years, with United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all in the mix, Ferdinand said he remained confident Fergie's men have what it takes to claim a record 19th title.
"Arsenal and Chelsea are very big games for us," said Ferdinand. "We're playing two of the teams at the top of the league back-to-back. They'll be hard games but games we all enjoy playing in.
"They'll be big spectacles with everybody watching and we'll be going out there to win. Fingers crossed we can do that and if we can it will put us in a great position for the rest of the season."
Ferdinand admitted to being surprised by Chelsea's dramatic loss of form, which has seen Carlo Ancelotti's side claim just five points from a possible 18 to slip from top spot to third in a matter of weeks.
But the 32-year-old defender said it was dangerous to underestimate Chelsea's powers of recovery, despite their problems behind the scenes which have contributed to their poor run.
"Maybe it's a surprise [Chelsea's dip] but if you looked at their schedule in the early part of the season, on paper you could have said that they could almost go unbeaten," said Ferdinand.
"They've got a difficult month coming up and they've dropped some points. We concentrate on what we do, but you do look out of the corner of your eye at other teams and how they're doing.
"If Chelsea continue doing what they're doing [dropping points] it would be pleasing for us. But if they go on a winning streak then it's up to us to make sure we go side by side with that and make sure we stay ahead and finish the league as winners."
After an injury-ravaged campaign last term, which saw him miss almost the entire season, as well as a knee injury which ruled him out of the World Cup, Ferdinand is relieved to be back playing regularly for United.
"I've played 15 games this season already, so this is a good run of games for me," said Ferdinand. "If I have to sit out three or four games at this stage I'll be disappointed, but I don't see that happening.
"I'm enjoying being back and playing football. That's the most important thing. I love going out there and training every day, which I'm doing. I've hardly missed any sessions up until now and I'm doing what I love and enjoy most.
"The intensity never goes away. If anything it's probably more intense. On the training pitch you're screaming and shouting every day and wanting to win games. You lose a game in training, you come in huffing and puffing and people know you were on the losing team.
"I'm training probably harder than at any point in my career, trying to make sure I stay out there on the pitch and continue playing. I don't want my career to finish. People like [Paul] Scholesy and [Ryan] Giggsy are shining lights of that. They've worked hard and you see the rewards they've got out of the game trophy-wise."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom: Daily Mirror match report

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By James Nursey

Gerard Houllier insists he has no intention of quitting Aston Villa after victory over West Brom failed to disguise his club's huge problems.
A first win in six games eased some of the pressure on Houllier, who upset Villa fans by praising former club Liverpool following last week's defeat at Anfield.
This was a marked improvement on that, yet Albion had plenty of possession and hit the woodwork when it was 0-0.
The enterprising visitors then had Villa hanging on at the end after Paul Scharner pulled a goal back in the 90th minute.

It was clear Villa's confidence is fragile having won just three times in the league since Houllier arrived as manager in September.
A home victory over a promoted club would have been routine for predecessor Martin O'Neill, who engineered three successive sixth-place finishes.
Yet the final whistle at Villa Park was met with relief, players such as James Collins punching the air.
Houllier will also be relieved to see the club's injury-crisis is receding after fit-again senior stars Emile Heskey and Nigel Reo-Coker returned against Albion.
But Houllier has ostracised talented midfielder Stephen Ireland who failed to even make the bench.
While Richard Dunne was named as a substitute and stripped of the armband - which went to Ashley Young - after a training ground bust-up with coach Gary McAllister last week.
Houllier's headaches are so intense he could be forgiven regretting leaving his cosy job as technical director at the French Football Federation.
But when asked if he thought he had made a mistake returning to Premier League management, Houllier said: "Oh, no, no.
"What is easy in life? Perhaps I was born for this.
"I am getting a bit older, so I don't get fired up as much as before.
"The job is 80 per cent aggravation, difficulty, problems, every day, every minute.
"The other 20 per cent is great.
"That is why we do this job. When it gets to 90 per cent aggravation, it is for the love of the game.
"I am 63 and I'm here - it must be because I like the club, I like the project of the club, I like the players.
"We are going through a bad patch but let's stick together and push on.
"When I won't be able to do it, I'll let you know."
Victory thanks to goals in either half from Stewart Downing and Heskey has bought under-pressure Houllier time but even he acknowledged it was not convincing.
And with games looming against Wigan, Spurs, Man City and Chelsea, Villa could yet get sucked into the relegation zone.
Houllier added: " We must not fool ourselves, we were under pressure.
"That is why we sometimes look a bit shaky because we were on a bad run.
"I think we all knew that we needed a result, the fans, the players, everyone."
Stewart Downing's 25th-minute opening far post goal from Marc Albrighton's cross calmed the nerves of the home crowd.
It was against the run of play after the visitors had earlier hit the bar through Somen Tchoyi.
But the fit-again Heskey then made it 2-0 in the 80th minute with a header from another Albrighton cross before Scharner's late header from Chris Brunt's corner set nerves jangling.
Downing admitted: "There was relief all around.
"It is a good result for us as a team and personally for the manager.
"He is experienced enough to deal with pressure and all the flak he has been getting.
"The main thing was he came in and said it was a good performance and good result.
"He told us to stick together and ignore the flak that is going around.
"Criticism hurts everyone but we have stuck together quite well and tried to block out as much as possible.
"We know what we have to do as a team and it worked.
"We have to fight and scrap no matter who is in the team."
Downing himself performed well to help Villa win but it was Albrighton's latest brilliant display which had fans purring.
The ex-Villa trainee has been one of the few positive points in a dire season for the claret and blue faithful.
And Downing, who has 23 England caps, believes his fellow winger is not far away from full international recognition.
Downing added: "He is a good kid who listens and learns with a good future ahead of him.
"I am sure the way he is playing England won't be too far away.
"He has waited a long time for his chance.
"Ashley Young has been playing in his position so it took him a bit of time to come in.
"I think he is a very good player.
"He is learning all the time and getting better and better.
"If we can keep him in form and the others lads in form we have a chance.
"When he whips balls in it is hard for defenders as you saw against West Brom."




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Carson: Baggies still optimistic ahead of Black County derby

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By James Nursey

West Brom captain Scott Carson insists they will still be full of confidence to face arch-rivals Wolves this weekend.
Albion's revival came to an end with a 2-1 reverse at Aston Villa.
But the visitors, boosted by successive top-flight wins, enjoyed a lot of possession and hit the bar.
And keeper Carson, 25, insists Albion remain optimistic ahead of their bitter Black County neighbours Wolves' visit on Sunday.

Carson said: "We were definitely the better side against Villa and it was a massive injustice that we never got anything out of the game.
"We came into the game and thought we could definitely get something out of it, we are gutted.
"We have another game around the corner though which we can hopefully get something out of.
"For us to get back-to-back wins in the Premier League is massive.
"We are not going to let our confidence drop after this.
"We are going to play the same against Wolves as we have been and hope it will be good enough.
"We know it is going to be a tough game and it is all about the result."




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Stoke defender determined to bounce back against Arsenal

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Stoke defender Danny Collins was left scratching his head at how the Potters failed to grab at least a point.
The home side were booed off and Collins said: "I understand the booing. Fans are entitled to their opinion. It may be a bit harsh, though. We got beaten 1-0 and on another day those chances would have gone in and we would have been clapped off. That is part of football."
The Potters visit London next week to face the Gunners and Collins is confident Stoke can produce the goods against Arsene Wenger's men.
He added: "We have got to pick ourselves up and get ready for the trip to Arsenal next up.


"It is a great stadium and I have had a couple of half-decent results there in the past from what I remember."




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Newcastle 3-1 Liverpool: Daily Mirror match report

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Mike Walters

The Fat Controller celebrated like a high-roller who had hit the jackpot in a Mayfair casino.
Next to him in the rogues’ gallery, a former casino director basked in the reflective glory of a fine win at the end of a traumatic week.
As a double act, they looked like those old codgers Statler and Waldorf from the Muppet Show, the private box critics who always have the last word.
To call them Dumb and Dumber would infringe the intellectual rights of Walt Disney’s circus elephant Dumbo, so we shall refer to them only as Smug and Smugger.

Down on the shop-floor, Alan Pardew made a *triumphant start but wisely kept a low profile without pausing to milk the acclaim.
As a work of art, Pardew’s first game in charge was nearer a Rolf Harris sketch than a Rembrandt *masterpiece, but Newcastle’s latest fall guy had the good grace to acknowledge he provided only a lick of paint where his predecessor Chris Hughton had supplied all the important brush strokes.
And as the Geordie *brotherhood spilled into their Tyneside watering holes to declare Christmas officially open among lasses in unfeasibly minimalist dresses, they toasted three points with the air of a guilty pleasure.
Foot soldiers from the Toon’s militant tendency had gone through the motions of a protest against the Fat Controller’s regime outside the main entrance, and during the match their reminders of his corpulence, London roots and parentage reverberated around St James’s Park.
Also appearing on the FC’s train set on Saturday were Liverpool, and their *contribution to the latest soap opera ablutions on Tyneside we can dismiss in a trice. They were *hopeless.
A great club built on the wisdom of Shankly, Paisley and Dalglish could manage only mundane, mid-table plodding. Newcastle were there for the taking yet the Kop, in boxing terms, barely laid a glove on them – otherwise known as an Audley.
But if the Toon was primed for rebellion, they soon decided mutiny can wait. Pardew’s reign began with glad tidings of comfort and joy – and who better to deliver them, at this time of year, than a striker named Carroll?
While Newcastle’s third home win of the season was driven by the excellent Joey Barton, Cheik Tiote and Kevin Nolan in midfield, England striker Andy Carroll was a monster who could not be tamed.
Nolan and Barton’s goals both stemmed from the Geordie wild child’s aerial supremacy, and Carroll’s final flourish from 25 yards in stoppage time was the work of a forward on top of his game.
Pardew described his first three points as “gold dust,” but the real bullion was wearing a No.9 shirt and winning his private battle of ponytails with Sotiris Kyrgiakos.
The new manager handled his trial by touchstone with commendable tact, slipping quietly into the dugout before kick-off with no showboating, and he made a dignified exit when the battle was won.
Pardew has always been blessed with a smooth line in diplomacy or, as they say in these parts, if patter was watter he’d be droonded. (Translation: Verily, he has the gift of the gab).
“I wasn’t in a position to milk the applause,” he acknowledged. “My tenure here has only just begun and although it was a great victory, I played only a very small part.
“It was vital I didn’t *interfere too much and I think I got the balance right. These players were doing well already and I just wanted to introduce three or four things into their game.
“My meeting with the players on Friday went far better than I had dared to imagine. A big part of that was down to Kevin Nolan – he’s a great captain and I can understand why other managers rate him so highly.”
Barton, who decorated his performance with a crude gesture at Fernando Torres, marvelled at the “insane” league in which Newcastle can lose at home to *Blackburn, Blackpool and Stoke, but hit Villa for six, the Mackems for five and win at Arsenal.
And he unfurled a *breathtaking series of cliches about Hughton’s brutal sacking last week: ships in the night, the king is dead, long live the king, we’ll take this club forward.
But whatever the players thought about Hughton’s crass treatment from the Fat Controller, they are *undeniably behind Pardew now. Barton added: “It’s not Alan’s fault that Chris got sacked. We sat down with Alan and told him none of us would say anything behind his back that we wouldn’t say to his face.”
Nolan added: “Alan can take credit. This club does not just belong in the Premier League, it belongs in *European Cups and we believe we will get there.”








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Bolton winning the race for Swans midfielder

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Alan Nixon

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to win the race for Swansea's Darren Pratley - but he is also happy to wait until he can sign him on a free in the summer.
Midfield powerhouse Pratley is quitting the Swans when his contract runs out at the end of the campaign and Wanderers have moved ahead of Newcastle and Wigan in the chase.
But Coyle is prepared to let Pratley join his club for nothing ahead of next season - rather than paying over the top to the promotion-chasing Welshmen.
Pratley is also content to see out the Championship push with Brendan Rodgers's team. They would price him out of a sale in the January market as they focus on that goal.




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McLesih demands Birmingham response after derby defeat

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Neil McLeman

Alex McLeish called on his Birmingham players to "atone" for their sinful defeat.
After four games unbeaten, the Blues failed to get a shot on goal and now have only four wins in 27 games.
‘Big Eck', whose double substitution after an hour lifted his side, didn't flip in the dressing room but made it clear he won't accept a repeat showing. He said: "We never really started till the subs came on. But you have to give Wolves credit. They are in the bottom three and every player played out of his skin.
"It was a poor performance from us. We had words at half time and tried our damnedest to get into the game with 30 minutes to go




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Bolton winning the race for Swans midfielder

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Alan Nixon

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to win the race for Swansea’s Darren Pratley - but he is also happy to wait until he can sign him on a free in the summer.
Midfield powerhouse Pratley is quitting the Swans when his contract runs out at the end of the campaign and Wanderers have moved ahead of Newcastle and Wigan in the chase.
But Coyle is prepared to let Pratley join his club for nothing ahead of next season - rather than paying over the top to the promotion-chasing Welshmen.
Pratley is also content to see out the Championship push with Brendan Rodgers’s team. They would price him out of a sale in the January market as they focus on that goal.

 

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Hammers boss hanging on - but his wife's done one!

Published 23:00 12/12/10 By Neil McLeman

Avram Grant's wife has drunk her own urine for breakfast and bathed in chocolate. But the bold Tzofit cannot handle the West Ham manager after another defeat.
So instead of spending the rest of the weekend in London, the Israeli actress and TV star changed her flight and flew home Saturday night with the Hammers still rock bottom of the table.
"It's crazy," said Grant. "Whenever I lose she says I am so miserable. It's true. I cannot sleep or eat. I feel so down whenever we lose.
"My wife works in Israeli TV and she was planning to go back on Sunday but after the final whistle she immediately booked a flight back on Saturday night."

More important now is how long Grant will stay. After only two wins in 17, the newly available Chris Hughton was linked with his job yesterday. The former Newcastle manager is a Hammers fan and his father still lives near the Boleyn Ground.
But Grant was more focused on the work he will do in the January transfer market with "two or three" players on his wish list.
"With £10m we can do a lot, we can bring in much better players," he said. "January is not a good time to invest but we certainly need additional players, dangerous players, but we have players injured who we don't know if we need cover for or not - there a lot of decisions to make in January. But even if everyone is fit we still want to be strong in every position. If the owners gave me £10m that would be great.
"We are discussing this at the moment and will eventually have a decision. We need to also remember that the club is in big debt."
West Ham's next four games are against teams in the bottom half of the table.
Junior Stanislas said: "It is a disappointing result, but the next four or five games are definitely ones we can get points form, so hopefully we will start picking them up. These next runs of matches, we can definitely get points from.
"The belief is still there, we just need a little something, a little spark to get us gibing again.
"The belief has to be there, when you start losing your belief, you start losing your way, the little ricochets and decisions which go against you are part of football, you can only do what you do and try to affect the game that way."



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Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers

Published 11:08 11/12/10 By Football Spy

Transfer stories from other newspapers and websites
Liverpool have accepted that Juventus target Glen Johnson will move abroad in the new year and are shortlisting new right-backs (Daily Mail)
Manchester United will send Jonny Evans out on loan (The Sun)
Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham target Antonio Cassano could become a free agent on Monday after a second arbitration with Sampdoria (Daily Mail)
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has vowed to keep hold of Liverpool target Hugo Rodallega (Daily Star)
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been told he will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season (Daily Star)
West Ham fear new defensive coach Wally Downes could join Alan Pardew at Newcastle (Daily Express)
The FA will allow Inter Milan the chance to woo Fabio Capello as a replacement for current boss Rafael Benitez. (Daily Mail)
Iran are making a shock move to make Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson their new boss (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are leading the race to sign £25m-rated goal-scoring right-back Andoni Iraola from Athletic Bilbao (TalkSPORT)
Manchester City have been tracking Borussia Dortmund's 18-year-old playmaker Mario Goetze (TalkSPORT




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Football
Tanzania are regional champs

Kilimanjaro Stars celebrate their 1-0 victory over Cote d'Ivoire during their Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup final at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Photo/MOHAMMED AMIN

By CHARLES NYENDE in Dar es salaam cnyendei@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Sunday, December 12 2010 at 20:45

Tanzania on Sunday beat guest side Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 to win only their third Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup title.



Outstanding Shadrack Nsajigwa put in a captain's worth slotting in a penalty in the 42nd that decided the final and sent an ecstatic host nation into wild celebration.

The jammed, 60,000 capacity stadium remained filled after the final whistle, the partisan fans seemingly reluctant to leave the scene of a triumphant campaign as fireworks added to the electrical atmosphere.



Tanzania's other titles were won in 1974 and 1994. "This is a big win for many people. We have shown that with good organization and hard work we can beat any team. We just need to be positive," Tanzania coach Jan Poulsen, who has been regularly criticized by the fans and local media, said.

Both teams started tentatively, more concerned with not being scored than scoring. Elephants' Marc Dion's tested Juma Kaseja seven minutes into the start and 10 minutes later it was the turn of Tanzania's Sabir Stima to drive forward from midfield and unleash a rising shot tipped over for a corner by Sangare Ali.


Offensive play



Kaseja and Nsajigwa collided as they chased the same ball but the lurking Zoumane Kone could not take advantage of an empty net, heading wide in the 26th minute.



Without the suspended Mrisho Ngasi, Tanzania were severely handicapped in their offensive play. The home team was depleted further when midfielder Idrissa Rajab was taken off the field injured.

Cote d'Ivoire seemed to sense the hosts' limitations but could not carve out a clear chance. Then from nothing Tanzania went into the lead after Cote d'Ivoire's central defender Kouassi N'gorau handled the ball in the box to draw a penalty confidently slotted in by Nsajigwa.



Tanzania dropped everyone behind their half in the second half to doggedly defend the narrow lead with Nsajigwa, Kevin Yondani, Juma Said and Stefano Mwasika playing their hearts out.

Cote d'Ivoire did get their chances but Tanzania keeper Juma Kaseja stood tall to keep out Bolou Kipre's and Tchetche Kipre with desperate dives.