Tanzania yaongoza kwa ubora Cecafa Sunday, 12 December 2010 20:59
Sweetbert Lukonge
BAADA ya kufanya vizuri katika michuano ya Chalenji iliyofikia tamati jana jijini Dar es Salaam, Baraza la Vyama vya Soka Afrika Mashariki na Kati (Cecafa) limeitangaza Tanzania Bara kuwa ndiyo inayoongoza kwa ubora katika viwango vya soka kwa nchi wanachama.
Akizungumza na Mwananchi jana Katibu mkuu wa Cecafa, Nicolas Msonye alisema kuwa kutokana na uwezo mkubwa ulionyeshwa na Tanzania Bara katika michuano hiyo sasa ndiyo inayoshika nafasi ya kwanza kwa ubora wa soka kuliko nchi nyingine katika ukanda huu wa Afrika Mashariki na Kati ikifutiwa na Uganda.
"Katika kuhakikisha soka linapiga hatua zaidi kwa nchi wanachama wetu tumeanzisha taratibu mbalimbali ikiwa ni pamoja na viwango vya ubora ambapo kwa sasa Tanzania Bara ndiyo inaongoza baada ya kufanya vizuri katika michuano ya Chalenji kuliko nchi nyingine za ukanda huu ikifuatiwa na Uganda.
"Nafasi ya tatu inashikiliwa na Ethiopia wakati Rwanda yenyewe wapo katika nafasi ya nne ikifutiwa na Zanzibar ambayo ipo nafasi ya tano," alisema Msonye. Alisema nchi ya Kenya ndiyo inayoshika mkia katika viwango hivyo ikiwa nyuma ya Somali baada ya kufanya vibaya katika michuano hiyo ambapo katika mechi zake zote za hatua ya makundi hakuweza kushinda hata mchezo mmoja.
Katika hatua nyingine Msonye amewapongeza wapenzi na mashabiki wa soka hapa nchini kwa mchango wao mkubwa walioutoa kwa timu Tanzania Bara (Kilimanjaro Stars) pamoja na ile ya Zanzibar (Zanzibar Heroes) na kusema kuwa wao ndio chachu ya timu hizo kufanya vizuri katika mashindano hayo na hatimaye kufanikwa kuwa katika nafasi nzuri katika viwango vya ubora wa soka kwa nchi wanachama wa Cecafa.
Alisema bila mashabiki kuziunga mkono timu hizo mbili hakika mambo yangelikuwa tofauti na ilivyo hivi sasa ambapo kila moja anazungumzia mafanikio ya timu hizo mbili licha ya Zanzibar kuishia hatua ya robo fainali.
Beki ya Kili Stars safi Sunday, 12 December 2010 21:00
Doris Maliyaga
WASHAMBULIAJI wa Uganda ‘The Cranes' wamekiri kuwa ngome ya Kilimanjaro Stars ilikuwa makini kupita kiasi wapocheza nayo. The Cranes iliondolewa mashindanoni na Kilimanjaro Stars katika hatua ya nusu fainali na ilicheza na Ethiopia kuwania mshindi wa tatu.
Ushindi wa Kilimanjaro umeelezwa ni kutokana na safu ya ulinzi iliyokuwa ikiongozwa na nahodha Shadrack Nsajigwa, Stephano Mwasika, Juma Nyosso, Kelvin Yondani na Shabani Nditi ambao walikuwa wakishirikiana vyema kuilinda himaya.
Wakizungumza kwa nyakati tofauti nyota hao ambao ndiyo wamekisaidia kikosi hicho kuchukua ubingwa wa Chalenji miaka miwili mfululizo chini ya Mscotland Robert Williamson ‘Bobby'.
''Beki ya Kilimanjaro ni nzuri imewasaidia sana katika michuano hii na ilitupa wakati mgumu siku ile, lakini inapidi iongeze bidii zaidi.''alisema Robert Ssentongo.
Kwa upande wa Danny Wagaruka yeye amewazungumzia mabeki hao kuwa; ''Ni wazuri japo si sana wana makosa madogo madogo kama wakikutana na watu makini zaidi wanaweza kuruhusu mabao.''
Kifo ooh kifo hakina huruma! Monday, 13 December 2010 21:20
Joseph Zablon
"Kifo kifo siku yangu ikifika, kifo niarifu mapema, niage wanangu, niage familia yangu yote, nimuage mke wangu, pesa zangu nizigawanye zilizobaki nizile mimi mwenyewe, kifo nakusubiri kwa hamu, kifo nakwenda dukani Kariakoo nanunua shati jipya, suruali mpya, koti jipya, tai mpya, soksi mpya kiatu kipya, kifo nitanunua sanda yangu mwenyewe, kifo nitawalipa watu wanichimbie kaburi yangu ningali hai sipendi kuzikwa na mtu nitajizika mimi mwenyewe kwangu hakuna matanga, hakuna kilio, hakuna kunywa uji. " Kifo nakwenda breweresi nanunua bia kreti 20, mwarubaini kwa wingi, michemsho kwa wingi, migebuo kwa wingi, wanzuki kwa wingi chimpumu kwa wingi, kaya kwa sela, kifo nitafanya pati nitaita watu binafsi wote, marafiki zangu wote , kifo niambie tukutane wapi hata Muhimbili ntakwenda mwenyewe kwa miguu...."
Hii ni sehemu ya ushairi wa mwanamuziki Ramadhan Mtoro Ongala ambaye aliaga dunia juzi alfajiri.
Mwanamuziki huyo maarufu kama 'Dk Remmy' alifia katika Hospitali ya Regency jijini Dar es Salaam alipokimbizwa baada ya kuzidiwa kutokana na figo kushindwa kufanya kazi.
Msemaji wa familia katika msiba huo, Kitenzogu Makassy 'Mzee Makassy', alisema kuwa Dk Remmy alifariki jana asubuhi baada ya kuzidiwa na kukimbizwa hospitalini hapo ambako ndipo alipokuwa akipata tiba baada ya familia kumuondoa kutoka Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili ambako alilazwa kwa zaidi ya wiki mbili.
Alisema kuwa mara baada ya kumtoa Muhimbili alikuwa akihudumiwa na Hospitali ya Regency ambayo madaktari wake walikuwa wakihangaika kuzisaidia figo zake ziweze kufanya kazi sanjari na kushusha sukari ambayo ilikuwa inapanda na kushuka, lakini hata hivyo alipopelekwa hapo jana hali ilikuwa mbaya na baadaye alifariki dunia.
"Unajua pale ndipo ambapo alikuwa akifika kuonana na daktari kwa ajili ya matatizo yake baada ya kumuondoa hospitali ya taifa," alisema na kuongeza kuwa mazishi ya mwanamuziki huyo yanatarajiwa kufanyika baada ya taratibu zote kukamilika ikiwa ni pamoja na kuwasili kwa wanae ambao wapo jijini London, Uingereza, Dubai na ndugu zao wengine waliopo Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo (DRC).
Mmoja kati ya watoto wa marehemu, Thomas Ongala, alisema kuwa kifo cha baba yao kimeacha pengo kubwa sana ambalo hadhani kama itazibika.
"Jembe limeondoka, sijui lakini yote mipango ya Mungu" alisema Thomas na kuongeza kuwa hajui idadi ya watoto wa mwanamuziki huyo na kusisitiza kuwa wapo wengi. "Tupo wengi sana, kusema leo eti tupo saba au wanane kwa kujihesabu sisi ambao tupo hapa nyumbani na ambao tunafahamiana tutakuwa hatuwatendei haki wengine," alisema Thomas na kuongeza kuwa baba yao alikuwa na mapenzi makubwa sana kwa watoto wao wote na misingi aliyoiacha ndio ambayo wanaendeklea kuisimamia wao
Mwanamziki huyo alitamba na bendi ya Orchestra Makassy mwanzoni mwa miaka ya sabini kabla ya kuhamia Orchestra Matimila na baadaye kwenda katika muziki wa Injili. Akiwa Muhimbili alisema atatunga nyimbo kwa ajili ya wauguzi.
Dk Remmy ambaye aliwahi kupata shinikizo la damu na kusababisha sehemu ya mwili wake kupooza, awali alikimbizwa Muhumbili kabla ya kubainika kuwa ana kisukari na figo zake hazikuwa zikifanya kazi vizuri.
Umitashumta yaanza leo Sunday, 12 December 2010 20:57
Sosthenes Nyoni
MASHINDANO ya Michezo ya Umoja wa Shule za Msingi Tanzania (UMITASHUMTA)yanatarajia kuanza kutimua vumbi leo mjini Kibaha, Pwani kwa kuzikutanisha shule kutoka mikoa 10.
Mikoa 10 inayotarajiwa kupambana katika mashindano hayo ambayo kwa mara ya mwisho yalifanyika nchini mwaka 2000 ni pamoja na Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tabora,Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro,Mbeya, Iringa, Singida na wenyeji Pwani.
Akizungumza jijini Dar es Salaamm mwishoni mwa wiki wakati akitangaza kurejeshwa rasmi kwa michezo mashuleni, Naibu Waziri Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa(Tamisemi) Kassim Majaliwa alisema kuwa lengo la mashindano hayo ni kuibua na kuendeleza vipaji mbalimbali miongozi wa wanafunzi wa shule za msingi.
"Katika kutekeleza agizo la Rais Jakaya Kikwete, Tamisemi ikiwa na dhamana ya kushughulikia masuala la elimu katika shule za msingi na sekondari napenda kuutangazia umma wa Watanzania kuwa michezo mashuleni imerejeshwa rasmi.
"Kwa kuanza tayari yale ya shule za msingi yataanza mjini Kibaha Desemba 13 kwa mikoa 10 kushiriki na michezo itakayoshindaniwa ni soka,netiboli na riadha,"alisena Majaliwa.
Aidha alisema kuwa mashindano hayo yatazinduliwa rasmi kesho na Rais Jakaya Kikwete
Taifa Queens yajikatia tiketi ya robo fainali Friday, 10 December 2010 20:21
Jessca Nangawe
TIMU ya netiboli ya Tanzania imeingia robo fainali baada ya kuifunga Namibia katika michuano ya kuwania kupanda viwango vya kimataifa inayofanyika nchini Singapore.
Taifa Quuens imeingia hatua hiyo baada ya kushinda michezo wa mitatu mfululizo baada ya awali kuwafunga wenyeji Singapore na kisha kuwabamiza India magoli 60 – 27.
Mwenyekiti wa Chaneta, Anna Bayi ameitaka timu hiyo kuendeleza mto huo ili kuisaidia Tanzania kupanda viwango hivyo.
"Nafurahia kiwango kinachoendelea kuonyeshwa na timu ya taifa katika michuano hiyo kwani kitatuwezesha kufikia viwango vya kimataifa vya mchezo huo.
''Wachezaji wetu wanaonyesha jitihada kubwa na ninachowaomba waendelee na moto huo wa ushindi kwani naamini tunaweza kufikia viwango.'' alisema Bayi
Taifa Queens inajiandaa kuikabili Wales leo katika mwendelezo wa michuano hiyo.
Mieleka kufanyika Moro Desemba 18 Friday, 10 December 2010 20:20
Happy Kiula
MASHINDANO ya mieleka ya kuwania ubingwa wa mabingwa ambayo ni mahususi kufungia kalenda ya mwaka huu yanatarajia kutimua vumbi Desemba 18 hadi 23 mkoani Morogoro.
Kwa mujibu wa Mwenyeketi wa Chama Cha Mieleka Tanzania (AWATA), Daniel Marcus, michuano hiyo ni ya kufungia kalenda ya mwaka huu baada ya hapo hakutakuwa na mashindano yoyote ya mchezo huo hadi mwakani.
Alisema wameamua kupeleka michuano hiyo Morogoro kutokana na idadi kubwa ya wapenzi pamoja na wadau wa mchezo huo waishio huko.
"Tumeupa heshima kubwa kubwa Mkoa wa Morogoro kwa kupeleka mashindano makubwa ya clab bingwa tukiamini kuwa na wadau wa kutosha wa mchezo huo kwani unatamba sana mkoani humo",alisema Marcus
Aidha, Marcus alisema mashindano hayo yapo chini ya AWATA na mpaka sasa klabu mbalimbali zimeshajitokeza kuchukua fomu ya ushiriki wao.
"Tunawaomba wananchi wa Mkoa wa Morogoro kujitokeza kwa wingi siku hiyo kuja kuwaona wanaume wanavyo kamuana, na kwa hakika wapenzi na wadau wa mchezo huo watapata burudani ya kutosha ya funga mwaka",alisema
"Kuhusu suala la usalama,chama tayari kimeshaandaa vikosi mbalimbali vya ulinzi na usalama vikienda sambamba na mbwa kwa hiyo wananchi wasiwe na wasiwasi wajitokeze kwa wingi kuhudhuria mashindano hayo",alisema Marcus.
Kifo kifo ukitaka kujua ubaya wa kifo fika hospitalini, utakuta wengine wanalia, wengine hawana miguu tena, wengine wana vidonda, wengine wana vipele, wengine wana ukurutu, wengine wamezaa watoto wamekufa, kwa sababu yako wewe kifo Kifo kwa nini unatusumbua, tumezaliwa kwa sababu ya kuishi, ulimwengu bila watu si ulimwengu tena, kifo wee! Kifo wee kifo kifo hakina huruma , kifo we kifo tulikuwa tuna baba yetu, tulikuwa tunamtegemea, kifo umemchukua baba yetu, sasa tunakwenda tunahangaika hatuna mahala pa kulala, wakati baba alikuwa yupo watu walikuwa chungu tele, leo baba hayuko tena wengine wanatusimanga, wengine wanatuzunguka, sababu yako wewe kifo Haya ni sehemu ya maneno mazito yaliyo katika wimbo wa Kifo (Hakina Huruma) uliopata umaarufu mkubwa miaka ya 1980 ulioimbwa na nguli wa muziki wa dansi nchini Ramazani Mtoro Ongala maarufu kwa jina la Dk. Remmy aliyefariki dunia usiku wa kuamkia jana jijini Dar es Salaam. Dk. Remmy mwanamuziki ambaye atakumbukwa na wapenzi wa muziki wa dansi kwa kuwa na sauti nzito iliyobeba ujumbe wa kuhuzunisha, kufurahisha na kufikirisha amefariki dunia akiwa na umri wa miaka 63 baada kuugua muda mrefu maradhi ya figo, moyo na shinikizo la damu. Mwanamuziki huyo ambaye alikuwa Mtanzania mwenye asili ya Kongo, alifikwa na mauti ambayo aliyatabiri zaidi ya miaka 20 iliyopita wakati akipata matibabu katika Hospitali ya Regency. Akizungumza kuhusu mazingira ya kifo hicho mwanamuziki nguli wa muziki wa Injili ambaye ni mjomba wa marehemu na mtu ambaye alimleta Dk. Remmy hapa nchini, Mzee Makassy alisema kabla ya kuanza kutibiwa Regency alikokuwa akipelekwa mara mbili hadi tatu kwa wiki, mwanamuziki huyo alikuwa akitibiwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili. Kifo hicho cha Dk. Remmy ambaye afya yake imekuwa ikizorota kwa miaka kadhaa sasa, kimeacha nyuma kumbukumbu ya matukio mengi ya kujifunza, kubwa kati ya hayo likiwa ni utunzi wake wa nyimbo tatu ambazo zilikuwa zikizungumzia kifo. Ukiacha wimbo wa ‘Siku ya Kufa' ambao aliuimba wakati akiwa na bendi ya Makassy Remmy alizungumzia kifo tena kwenye wimbo wa Kifo Hakina Huruma wakati alipokuwa kiongozi, mtunzi na mwimbaji mkuu wa bendi ya Matimila. Miongoni mwa maneno ambayo yanabakia kuwa kumbukumbu ya kipekee katika wimbo huo ambayo yanaweza kubeba ujumbe wa kipekee wakati huu yaliyo katika wimbo huo ni; ‘Kifo kwa nini hauonekani, kifo umejificha wapi? Ungekuwa unaonekena kifo tungekupa rushwa ili tuishi milele.' Maneno mengine katika wimbo huo ni yale yasemayo; ‘Kifo kifo siku yangu ikifika, niambie niage wanangu niage familia yangu yote kifo nitakusubiri kwa hamu, kifo nitaenda dukani kariakoo, kifo nitanunua sanda yangu mwenyewe.....niambie tukutane wapi, hata Muhimbili nitakwenda mwenyewe kwa miguu....kifo hajali umwamba wako, kifo hajali cheo chako, kifo ni kiboko yao. Kifo kifo ni kiboko yao." Kwa upande wake, Mzee Makassy akizungumzia kifo hicho kilichoacha pengo kubwa kwa mwanamuziki ambaye sifa zake zinaweza zikalinganishwa na wanamuziki wa kariba ya Marijani Rajabu, Nicco Zengekala, Mbaraka Mwinshehe na Hemed Maneti alisema walilazimika kumhamishia Regency kutokana na ushauri wa madaktari wa Muhimbili ambako kulikuwa na upungufu wa vifaa vya kitabibu. "Tulianza kumpeleka Regency mara mbili au tatu kwa wiki kwa ajili ya kupata huduma ya ukaushaji maji na jana (juzi) tulipompeleka hali ilikuwa mbaya na baadaye akafariki dunia," alisema Mzee Makassya ambaye kabla ya kuanza kuimba nyimbo za Injili alipata kuwa mmiliki na mwanamuziki wa muziki wa dansi. Dk. Remmy alizaliwa mwaka 1947 huko Kivu nchini Kongo na familia yake ilikuwa ikiishi eneo linaloitwa Kindu lililo jirani na mpaka wa Tanzania. Miongoni mwa nyimbo alizopata kuzitunga ni "Lolango" ambao unazungumzia sababu za yeye kuwa mwanamuziki akirithi kazi ya baba yake. Alikuja nchini kwa wito wa Mzee Makassy mwaka 1977 kuziba pengo la wasanii wa iliyokuwa bendi ya Makassy Orchetra aliyodumu nayo hadi mwaka 1981 alipojiunga na Orchestre Super Matimila. Akiwa Super Matimila, umaarufu wa Dk. Remmy ulipanda haraka haraka hata kuvuka mipaka ya nchi na ni wakati huo alipopata mualiko akiwa na bendi hiyo na kushiriki tamasha maarufu la kimataifa la World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) mwaka 1988-89 lililokuwa likifanyika Uholanzi. Miongoni mwa nyimbo zake ambazo kumbukumbu yake inabakia ni kama 'Siku ya Kufa' ( alioimba kwa kumbukumbu ya rafiki yake), 'Ndumilakuwili', "Mnyonge Hana Haki, "Kipenda Roho," Mambo, "No Money, No Life," and "One World.", "Mambo Kwa Soksi, Asili ya Muziki, ‘Athuman', Kaume Kangu , ‘Kifo Hakina Huruma', ‘Mariamu' , ‘Mambo kwa Soksi', ‘Mwanza' na nyinginezo. Ujumbe mzito wa kifalsafa kama ule ulio katika wimbo wa Ndumilakuwili unabakia kuwa mfano wa maneno mazito ambayo mwanamuziki huyo alikuwa akiyatumia kwenye tungo zake. Sehemu ya maneno ya wimbo huo ni kama vile; "Awali Sisi Rafiki, Maisha Yetu Pamoja, Tuliishi Kama Ndugu, Mivutano Ni Ishara, Nashangaa Sana Ndugu, Usiwe Ndumakuwili, Kutenga Watu Wawili, Fitina Sio Adili, Na Ndilo Jambo Dhalili Victoria Mwenzangu, Unapotaka Kusema, Tumia Yako Hekima, Neno Liwe La Heshima, Li Mbalimbali na Matusi, Ndugu Acha Wivu, Ndugu Acha Ufitina, Ndugu Acha Wivu, Ndugu Acha Ufitina....awali sisi rafiki...." Kumbukumbu zinaonyesha kuwa marehemu hakuwahi kukata nywele zake tangu kuzaliwa na hiyo ilitokana na maelekezo ya mganga wa jadi ambaye alimuwezesha mama yake kupata ujauzito wake. Habari zinaeleza kuwa Dk. Remmy alizaliwa msituni akiwa chini ya tabibu huyo. Inaelezwa kuwa alianza kuitwa jina la Dk. tangu akiwa mdogo kutokana na kuzaliwa akiwa na meno mawili ya mbele hali ambayo iliaminika kuashiria mtoto huyo angekuja kuwa tabibu. Mwaka 2003/2004 kwa ushauri wa mjomba wake Mzee Makassy na hasa baada ya afya yake kuzorota, Dk. Remmy alitangaza kuokoka na hivyo kutubu mambo yake yote, kunyoa nywele zake na kutubu dhambi zake zote. Akiwa mwimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili alipata kufyatua vibao kama vile ‘Kwa Yesu Kuna Furaha' na ‘Mbele kwa Mbele'. Remmy ambaye mwili wake umehifadhiwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili anakumbukwa pia kwa kujiita mwanaume mwenye sura mbaya, maneno ambayo alipata kuyatumia hata katika wimbo wake wa 'Natafuta Mtoto'. Mtazamo wake huo kuhusu sura yake ulisababisha apate kushiriki katika shindano la mtu mwenye sura mbaya ambapo alishika nafasi ya pili nyuma ya Masudi Surambaya. Mazishi ya mwanamuziki huyo nguli yanasubiri kuwasili kwa watoto wake walioko Dubai na Uingereza ikiwa ni pamoja na kaka yake anayeishi DRC. Marehemu ameacha mke Tonny Ongalla na watoto sita akiwemo Kalimangonga Ongalla ambaye anachezea klabu ya Azam Fc inayoshiriki Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom.
Kifo kifo ukitaka kujua ubaya wa kifo fika hospitalini, utakuta wengine wanalia, wengine hawana miguu tena, wengine wana vidonda, wengine wana vipele, wengine wana ukurutu, wengine wamezaa watoto wamekufa, kwa sababu yako wewe kifo Kifo kwa nini unatusumbua, tumezaliwa kwa sababu ya kuishi, ulimwengu bila watu si ulimwengu tena, kifo wee! Kifo wee kifo kifo hakina huruma , kifo we kifo tulikuwa tuna baba yetu, tulikuwa tunamtegemea, kifo umemchukua baba yetu, sasa tunakwenda tunahangaika hatuna mahala pa kulala, wakati baba alikuwa yupo watu walikuwa chungu tele, leo baba hayuko tena wengine wanatusimanga, wengine wanatuzunguka, sababu yako wewe kifo Haya ni sehemu ya maneno mazito yaliyo katika wimbo wa Kifo (Hakina Huruma) uliopata umaarufu mkubwa miaka ya 1980 ulioimbwa na nguli wa muziki wa dansi nchini Ramazani Mtoro Ongala maarufu kwa jina la Dk. Remmy aliyefariki dunia usiku wa kuamkia jana jijini Dar es Salaam. Dk. Remmy mwanamuziki ambaye atakumbukwa na wapenzi wa muziki wa dansi kwa kuwa na sauti nzito iliyobeba ujumbe wa kuhuzunisha, kufurahisha na kufikirisha amefariki dunia akiwa na umri wa miaka 63 baada kuugua muda mrefu maradhi ya figo, moyo na shinikizo la damu. Mwanamuziki huyo ambaye alikuwa Mtanzania mwenye asili ya Kongo, alifikwa na mauti ambayo aliyatabiri zaidi ya miaka 20 iliyopita wakati akipata matibabu katika Hospitali ya Regency. Akizungumza kuhusu mazingira ya kifo hicho mwanamuziki nguli wa muziki wa Injili ambaye ni mjomba wa marehemu na mtu ambaye alimleta Dk. Remmy hapa nchini, Mzee Makassy alisema kabla ya kuanza kutibiwa Regency alikokuwa akipelekwa mara mbili hadi tatu kwa wiki, mwanamuziki huyo alikuwa akitibiwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili. Kifo hicho cha Dk. Remmy ambaye afya yake imekuwa ikizorota kwa miaka kadhaa sasa, kimeacha nyuma kumbukumbu ya matukio mengi ya kujifunza, kubwa kati ya hayo likiwa ni utunzi wake wa nyimbo tatu ambazo zilikuwa zikizungumzia kifo. Ukiacha wimbo wa Siku ya Kufa ambao aliuimba wakati akiwa na bendi ya Makassy Remmy alizungumzia kifo tena kwenye wimbo wa Kifo Hakina Huruma wakati alipokuwa kiongozi, mtunzi na mwimbaji mkuu wa bendi ya Matimila. Miongoni mwa maneno ambayo yanabakia kuwa kumbukumbu ya kipekee katika wimbo huo ambayo yanaweza kubeba ujumbe wa kipekee wakati huu yaliyo katika wimbo huo ni; Kifo kwa nini hauonekani, kifo umejificha wapi? Ungekuwa unaonekena kifo tungekupa rushwa ili tuishi milele. Maneno mengine katika wimbo huo ni yale yasemayo; Kifo kifo siku yangu ikifika, niambie niage wanangu niage familia yangu yote kifo nitakusubiri kwa hamu, kifo nitaenda dukani kariakoo, kifo nitanunua sanda yangu mwenyewe.....niambie tukutane wapi, hata Muhimbili nitakwenda mwenyewe kwa miguu....kifo hajali umwamba wako, kifo hajali cheo chako, kifo ni kiboko yao. Kifo kifo ni kiboko yao. Kwa upande wake, Mzee Makassy akizungumzia kifo hicho kilichoacha pengo kubwa kwa mwanamuziki ambaye sifa zake zinaweza zikalinganishwa na wanamuziki wa kariba ya Marijani Rajabu, Nicco Zengekala, Mbaraka Mwinshehe na Hemed Maneti alisema walilazimika kumhamishia Regency kutokana na ushauri wa madaktari wa Muhimbili ambako kulikuwa na upungufu wa vifaa vya kitabibu. Tulianza kumpeleka Regency mara mbili au tatu kwa wiki kwa ajili ya kupata huduma ya ukaushaji maji na jana (juzi) tulipompeleka hali ilikuwa mbaya na baadaye akafariki dunia, alisema Mzee Makassya ambaye kabla ya kuanza kuimba nyimbo za Injili alipata kuwa mmiliki na mwanamuziki wa muziki wa dansi. Dk. Remmy alizaliwa mwaka 1947 huko Kivu nchini Kongo na familia yake ilikuwa ikiishi eneo linaloitwa Kindu lililo jirani na mpaka wa Tanzania. Miongoni mwa nyimbo alizopata kuzitunga ni "Lolango" ambao unazungumzia sababu za yeye kuwa mwanamuziki akirithi kazi ya baba yake. Alikuja nchini kwa wito wa Mzee Makassy mwaka 1977 kuziba pengo la wasanii wa iliyokuwa bendi ya Makassy Orchetra aliyodumu nayo hadi mwaka 1981 alipojiunga na Orchestre Super Matimila. Akiwa Super Matimila, umaarufu wa Dk. Remmy ulipanda haraka haraka hata kuvuka mipaka ya nchi na ni wakati huo alipopata mualiko akiwa na bendi hiyo na kushiriki tamasha maarufu la kimataifa la World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) mwaka 1988-89 lililokuwa likifanyika Uholanzi. Miongoni mwa nyimbo zake ambazo kumbukumbu yake inabakia ni kama Siku ya Kufa ( alioimba kwa kumbukumbu ya rafiki yake), Ndumilakuwili, "Mnyonge Hana Haki, "Kipenda Roho," Mambo, "No Money, No Life," and "One World.", "Mambo Kwa Soksi, Asili ya Muziki, Athuman, Kaume Kangu , Kifo Hakina Huruma, Mariamu , Mambo kwa Soksi, Mwanza na nyinginezo. Ujumbe mzito wa kifalsafa kama ule ulio katika wimbo wa Ndumilakuwili unabakia kuwa mfano wa maneno mazito ambayo mwanamuziki huyo alikuwa akiyatumia kwenye tungo zake. Sehemu ya maneno ya wimbo huo ni kama vile; Awali Sisi Rafiki, Maisha Yetu Pamoja, Tuliishi Kama Ndugu, Mivutano Ni Ishara, Nashangaa Sana Ndugu, Usiwe Ndumakuwili, Kutenga Watu Wawili, Fitina Sio Adili, Na Ndilo Jambo Dhalili Victoria Mwenzangu, Unapotaka Kusema, Tumia Yako Hekima, Neno Liwe La Heshima, Li Mbalimbali na Matusi, Ndugu Acha Wivu, Ndugu Acha Ufitina, Ndugu Acha Wivu, Ndugu Acha Ufitina....awali sisi rafiki.... Kumbukumbu zinaonyesha kuwa marehemu hakuwahi kukata nywele zake tangu kuzaliwa na hiyo ilitokana na maelekezo ya mganga wa jadi ambaye alimuwezesha mama yake kupata ujauzito wake. Habari zinaeleza kuwa Dk. Remmy alizaliwa msituni akiwa chini ya tabibu huyo. Inaelezwa kuwa alianza kuitwa jina la Dk. tangu akiwa mdogo kutokana na kuzaliwa akiwa na meno mawili ya mbele hali ambayo iliaminika kuashiria mtoto huyo angekuja kuwa tabibu. Mwaka 2003/2004 kwa ushauri wa mjomba wake Mzee Makassy na hasa baada ya afya yake kuzorota, Dk. Remmy alitangaza kuokoka na hivyo kutubu mambo yake yote, kunyoa nywele zake na kutubu dhambi zake zote. Akiwa mwimbaji wa nyimbo za Injili alipata kufyatua vibao kama vile Kwa Yesu Kuna Furaha na Mbele kwa Mbele. Remmy ambaye mwili wake umehifadhiwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili anakumbukwa pia kwa kujiita mwanaume mwenye sura mbaya, maneno ambayo alipata kuyatumia hata katika wimbo wake wa Natafuta Mtoto. Mtazamo wake huo kuhusu sura yake ulisababisha apate kushiriki katika shindano la mtu mwenye sura mbaya ambapo alishika nafasi ya pili nyuma ya Masudi Surambaya. Mazishi ya mwanamuziki huyo nguli yanasubiri kuwasili kwa watoto wake walioko Dubai na Uingereza ikiwa ni pamoja na kaka yake anayeishi DRC. Marehemu ameacha mke Tonny Ongalla na watoto sita akiwemo Kalimangonga Ongalla ambaye anachezea klabu ya Azam Fc inayoshiriki Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom.
FAINALI za shindano la kusaka vipaji vya kuimba nchini (BSS) zitafanyika Ijumaa ijayo (Desemba 17) katika ukumbi wa Mlimani City, jijini Dar es Salaam. Hatua hiyo ilitangazwa juzi na mtangazaji wa shindano hilo, Godwin Gondwe, wakati wa shindano hilo lililofanyika kwenye ukumbi wa NSSF Water Front jijini Dar es Salaam. Aliwataka Watanzania kumpigia kura mshiriki anayefaa ili kuibuka na zawadi ya kitita cha milioni 30. Kwa mujibu wa Gondwe kiingilio cha fainali hizo ni 15,000 kwa viti vya kawaida. Washiriki watano, James Matin, Waziri Salum, Joseph Payne, Mariam Mohammed na Bella Kombo wamesalia katika shindano hilo baada ya wenzao watatu kutolewa Jumapili iliyopita. Waliotolewa kutokana na kura zao kutotosha ni Christerbella Nzowa, Haji Ramadhan na Chiby Dayo.
WASHIRIKI wa BSS juzi wafunika katika shindano hilo sambamba na mastaa wa muziki wa kizazi kipya baada ya kuimba pamoja. Katika shoo hiyo washiriki nane waliokuwa wakichuana vikali ili kupata nafasi ya kuingia tano bora, waliweza kuonyesha vipaji vya hali ya juu baada ya kila mmoja aliyekuwa akiwakilisha nyimbo kuimba sambamba na msanii mwenye nyimbo yake. Wasanii waliokuwepo na kuimba pamoja na washiriki hao wa BSS ni Patricia Hilaly aliyeimba sambamba na Mariam Mohamed wimbo ‘Mapenzi Yananitatiza', Maunda Zorro aliyeimba na Chiby Dayo. Wengine ni Banana Zorro na James Martine wimbo ‘Zoba', Tunda Man aliyeimba na Joseph Payne wimbo ‘Nipe Ripoti' na Mwassiti Almasi aliyeimba na Christabella Nzowa wimbo wa ‘Hao' na Marlaw. Katika shindano hilo Payne alitia fora hadi kuwaacha midomo wazi majaji kutokana na kuonyesha kwa hisia vitendo vya wimbo huo. Payne alitinga jukwaani akiwa amevaa nguo za wafungwa huku mkononi akiwa amefungwa pingu alikuwa akiimba kwa hisia kali kama msanii Madee aliyeimba sambamba na TundaMan wimbo huo wa ‘Nipe Ripoti' hivyo majaji kumtaka aongeze bidii katika fani.
MCHEZO kati ya Ulinzi na timu za Simba na Yanga umesogezwa mbele kutoka Desemba 18 na 19 kutokana na klabu za Simba na Yanga kuwa katika maandalizi ya hatua ya pili ya Ligi Kuu Tanzania Bara inayotarajia kuendelea Januari mwakani. Ulinzi ni timu kabambe kutoka Kenya. Akizungumza na Tanzania Daima jana, mratibu wa pambano hilo, George Wakuganda, alisema mapambano hayo yanatarajia kufanyika Desemba 25 na 26. Wakuganda alisema Simba wanatarajia kuanza mchezo wa kirafiki dhidi ya Ulinzi, mchezo utakaochezwa katika uwanja wa Uhuru jijini Dar es Salaam. Aidha Wakuganda alisema taratibu za mchezo huo zinaendelea kufanyika ikiwa ni pamoja na timu ya Ulinzi jinsi itakavyowasili nchini. "Michezo hiyo ni kwa ajili ya kuzipa mazoezi Simba na Yanga kwa sababu ndizo timu zenye mwelekeo bora wa soka hapa Tanzania," alisema Wakuganda. Wakuganda alisema viingilio katika mchezo huo vinatarajiwa kutangazwa hivi karibuni baada ya taratibu za mchezo huo kukamilika.
MAJINA ya wajumbe 17 walioomba kuwania nafasi mbalimbali za uongozi wa Chama cha Soka Zanzibar (ZFA) Wilaya ya Mjini yanatarajiwa kutangazwa Jumanne ijayo baada ya kufanyiwa usaili na Kamati ya Uchaguzi ya ZFA. Akizungumza na mwandishi wa habari hizi Katibu wa Kamati ya Uchaguzi wilayani humo, Nahoda Haji, alisema taratibu zote kwa ajili ya kuyapitia majina hayo zimefanywa na ifikapo Jumanne wanatarajia kuwatangaza wenye sifa za kuwania nafasi hizo. "Hivi sasa tumo katika kujadili majina ya wajumbe na kamati yetu itakuwa makini katika suala hili ili kupatikana viongozi ambao watakuwa bora katika kukisimamia chama chao," alisema. Aliwataja wamjumbe hao na nyadhifa zao katika mabano ni Ameir Makungu na Hassan Haji Hamza 'Chura' (Mwenyekiti), Juma Abdallah (Makamu Mwenyekiti), Yahya Juma Ali na Khamis Suleiman (Katibu), Omar Mohammed Omar (Katibu Msaidizi), Ali Abdalla Hassan (Mweka hazina). Wengine ni Abdallah Bakari Juma, Haji Othman Juma, Khatib, Haji Majid Haji, Khatib Juma Haji na Uledi Said Uledi ambao wameomba nafasi ya kuwa Wajumbe wa ZFA Wilaya ya Mjini. kwa upande wa nafasi ya mjumbe mmoja kutoka Wilaya kuwakilisha ZFA Taifa aliwataja kuwa ni Altaf Othman Suleiman, Abrahman Khamis Abrahman 'Karume', Seif Baus Nassor, Abdallah Maulid Abdallah na Hussein Ali Ahmada. Uchaguzi wa kuwachagua viongozi hao unatarajiwa kufanyika Desemba 18, uchaguzi utafanyika katika ofisi za ZFA.
CHAMA cha Mpira wa Mikono Zanzibar (ZAHA) kimeandaa Ligi Kuu ya Vijana ya mpira wa mikono visiwani humo inayotarajiwa kuanza Desemba 18 katika viwanja vya Kitogani Wilaya ya Kusini Unguja. Akizungumza na Tanzania Daima, jana Katibu wa ZAHA, Mussa Abdulrabi, alisema timu 10 zitashiriki ligi hiyo zikiwemo saba za wanaume na tatu za wanawake. Abdulrabi alisema lengo la ligi hiyo ni kuendeleza vipaji vya vijana ambavyo vinaonekana kulala. Alizitaja timu zitakazoshiriki kwa upande wa wanaume kuwa ni Potoa, Mkwajuni, Mwanakwerekwe, Ndijani, Pete, Bwejuu na Michamvi wakati za wanawake ni Fuoni, Pete na Michamvi. Aidha katibu huyo alisema hadi sasa hawajapata ufadhili na kuwaomba wadau wa michezo pamoja na wahisani mbalimbali kujitokeza kuifadhili ligi hiyo ili iweze kuleta msisimko zaidi kwa washiriki.
SHIRIKISHO la Michezo la Mashirika ya Umma na Makampuni Binafsi Tanzania (SHIMMUTA) limetoa pongezi kwa wachezaji wa timu ya Tanzania Bara ‘Kilimanjaro Stars' kwa kutwaa ubingwa wa Kombe la Chalenji mwaka huu. Kwa mujibu wa taarifa iliyotolewa na Katibu Mkuu wa SHIMMUTA, Award Safari, ushindi wa Kilimanjaro Stars haukuwa rahisi bali umetokana na nidhamu, ushirikiano, kucheza kitimu na upendo miongoni mwa wachezaji. Aidha Safari alisema Kilimanjaro iliifunga Ivory Coast kwa bao 1-0; Ivory Coast ni vigogo wa soka barani Afrika si jambo rahisi bali ilikuwa ni mshikamano kati ya wachezaji, viongozi na bila kusahau mashabiki. "Kutokana na uzalendo waliouonyesha wapenzi hasa wale waliokuwa wanafurika kwa wingi uwanjani kuishangilia timu yetu kila ilipokuwa ikicheza na timu pinzani mwanzo hadi mwisho wa mashindano walichangia chachu ya ushindi kwa timu yetu," alisema Safari. Safari alisema ushindi wa Kilimanjaro Stars ulikuwa ni kuchukua kombe hilo kwa mara ya 3 tangu ilipolichukua mara ya mwisho mwaka 1994. Naye mwandishi Andrew Chale anaripoti kwamba Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) kimeipongeza Kilimanjaro Stars kwa ushindi walioupata wa kutwaa Kombe la Tusker Chalenji lililokuwa likishindabniwa na nchi 12 za ukanda huo. Katibu wa Halmashauri Kuu ya Taifa Itikadi na Uenezi, Kapt Mstaafu, John Chiligati, alisema wananchi na mashabiki walikuwa ni sehemu ya ushindi baada ya miaka zaidi ya 15 ilipotwaa kombe hilo mwaka 1994.
Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand insists his side were good value for their hard-fought 1-0 win over title rivals Arsenal. Park Ji-sung's first-half header sent United two points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit. The South Korean's effort was enough to secure victory over Arsenal despite Wayne Rooney wasting a golden chance to ease home nerves when he ballooned a penalty over 17 minutes from time. Ferdinand told Sky Sports 1: "In these games sometimes you don't play well but you've got to go out and play as well as you can. We got the three points and that's the main thing.
"Three points is three points." Ferdinand added: "Arsenal test you in different ways, they are a very talented side with great players. But I thought today we contained them very well and we had the best chances. "We missed a penalty, unfortunately, Nani had a great chance in a one-on-one so I'd say we probably shaded it." Left-back Patrice Evra added: "We just play our football. I think we're powerful and we showed that tonight, I'm very pleased. Everybody is very focused and working hard, and that's why we got the result we deserved." United boss Sir Alex Ferguson praised his team's performance but admitted the missed penalty could have been costly. "We had to play well, in these major games you want to perform and I think we did tonight, particularly in the first half we did very, very well," he told Sky Sports 1. "It was an unusual penalty, normally Wayne always keeps them down, I've never known him to hit one over. That gave Arsenal a bit of impetus but we defended very well, the back four were fantastic tonight, absolutely magnificent." As for the match-winner Park, the Scot said: "Park's record against Arsenal is very good, he is in fantastic form, the lad. "Unfortunately we're going to lose him to the Asia Cup for seven matches, which is disappointing." Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal could have taken something from the game. "I believe yes, because we gave everything," he said. "The game was very intense, both teams were well-organised, the intensity of the game was very high and on a very bad pitch. "Overall the technical quality of the game suffered from a very bad pitch and that was why on both sides you've seen unusual technical mistakes." Wenger added: "I don't think we failed to deliver; we lost a game and that can happen here."
In control, in command, still unbeaten.
And while it is not over yet, or even close to it, United asserted themselves when it mattered last night to cast their red shadow over all the pretenders to the throne.
Ji-Sung Park's unlikely header just before the break put the Old Trafford side back on top of the pile, two points clear with a game in hand despite Wayne Rooney's shocking penalty miss.
More importantly, with the momentum, with that sense of destiny that they have shown time and time again during Sir Alex Ferguson's 24-year reign.
This was not a vintage *performance from Ferguson's team. Then again, that destruction of Blackburn aside, there have not been any so far.
Yet United have picked up 17 points from their last seven games, a pace only Manchester City have come close to matching, while Arsenal have dropped nine and Chelsea squandered 15.
All without Rooney scoring in open play since March, without overstretching themselves, without coming close to finding the top gear they will, surely, engage at some stage.
That is the key, as Arsene Wenger may ruefully reflect, even the return of Cesc Fabregas failing to create the opening Arsenal could take to stay at the summit, the Gunners now needing Chelsea to do them a favour at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Leaving out Berbatov, with Rooney filling the central role he took in such thrilling style last season, was a statement of intent by Fergie yet United's response was initially stuttering.
Rooney did superbly to escape the attentions of Sebastian *Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny in the ninth minute, before the curling effort asked the first *questions of rookie keeper Wojciech Szczesny, making his first Premier League start.
Andrey Arshavin's scheming down the left allowed Marouane Chamakh to steal in front of Nemanja Vidic for a header that was too close to Edwin Van der Sar, and while Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick tried to impose themselves, Wenger's men were nimble and dextrous.
Jack Wilshere, in particular, was ready to rumble, one foul on Patrice Evra revenge for the verbal digs of the weekend.
It was not until midway through the period United truly *threatened – and should have gone in front.
Nani's flick sent Fletcher *scurrying down the right, the panicky Squillaci hacked straight to Nani as he darted into the box but the instant strike fizzed inches wide of the far post.
Soon afterwards Rooney bent in another effort gathered by the young Pole while the United fans bayed – in vain – for a penalty as Chamakh inadvertently handled as he attempted to head clear.
But four minutes from the break United got their noses in front. Rooney nodded wide to Nani, whose driven cross clipped Gael Clichy's heel taking the ball slightly behind Park.
Somehow the Korean reacted, almost cricking his neck as he looped the ball up and over *Szczesny's flailing grasp to drop gently off the post and home.
Soon after the restart Tomas Rosicky was only just wide from the edge of the box.
Suddenly, United had to defend, although it required excellent anticipation and alertness from Szczesny to prevent Anderson prodding home Rooney's subtle pass.
Now we had a game. Samir Nasri worked space for a shot Van der Sar could not hold but Chamakh was too slow to the rebound, scuffing the effort and allowing Vidic to block.
Then at the other end, Anderson robbing Wilshere as he cocked the trigger and striding forwards to find Nani, who lost the ball to Clichy, won it back, but blazed wide.
Enter Fabregas, with 26 minutes to weave his magic, Robin Van Persie also added to the mix, Arsenal forcing the pace.
But not the breakthrough and it should have been all over 16 minutes from time when Clichy slipped but clearly handled as Nani jinked inside.
Rooney stepped up but blazed over the bar, to general disbelief but Arsenal delight.
There was no late drama, *Szczesny saving Rooney's exquisite chip. United in the box seat.
In control, in command, still unbeaten.
And while it is not over yet, or even close to it, United asserted themselves when it mattered last night to cast their red shadow over all the pretenders to the throne.
Ji-Sung Parks unlikely header just before the break put the Old Trafford side back on top of the pile, two points clear with a game in hand despite Wayne Rooneys shocking penalty miss.
More importantly, with the momentum, with that sense of destiny that they have shown time and time again during Sir Alex Fergusons 24-year reign.
This was not a vintage *performance from Fergusons team. Then again, that destruction of Blackburn aside, there have not been any so far.
Yet United have picked up 17 points from their last seven games, a pace only Manchester City have come close to matching, while Arsenal have dropped nine and Chelsea squandered 15.
All without Rooney scoring in open play since March, without overstretching themselves, without coming close to finding the top gear they will, surely, engage at some stage.
That is the key, as Arsene Wenger may ruefully reflect, even the return of Cesc Fabregas failing to create the opening Arsenal could take to stay at the summit, the Gunners now needing Chelsea to do them a favour at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Leaving out Berbatov, with Rooney filling the central role he took in such thrilling style last season, was a statement of intent by Fergie yet Uniteds response was initially stuttering.
Rooney did superbly to escape the attentions of Sebastian *Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny in the ninth minute, before the curling effort asked the first *questions of rookie keeper Wojciech Szczesny, making his first Premier League start.
Andrey Arshavins scheming down the left allowed Marouane Chamakh to steal in front of Nemanja Vidic for a header that was too close to Edwin Van der Sar, and while Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick tried to impose themselves, Wengers men were nimble and dextrous.
Jack Wilshere, in particular, was ready to rumble, one foul on Patrice Evra revenge for the verbal digs of the weekend.
It was not until midway through the period United truly *threatened and should have gone in front.
Nanis flick sent Fletcher *scurrying down the right, the panicky Squillaci hacked straight to Nani as he darted into the box but the instant strike fizzed inches wide of the far post.
Soon afterwards Rooney bent in another effort gathered by the young Pole while the United fans bayed in vain for a penalty as Chamakh inadvertently handled as he attempted to head clear.
But four minutes from the break United got their noses in front. Rooney nodded wide to Nani, whose driven cross clipped Gael Clichys heel taking the ball slightly behind Park.
Somehow the Korean reacted, almost cricking his neck as he looped the ball up and over *Szczesnys flailing grasp to drop gently off the post and home.
Soon after the restart Tomas Rosicky was only just wide from the edge of the box.
Suddenly, United had to defend, although it required excellent anticipation and alertness from Szczesny to prevent Anderson prodding home Rooneys subtle pass.
Now we had a game. Samir Nasri worked space for a shot Van der Sar could not hold but Chamakh was too slow to the rebound, scuffing the effort and allowing Vidic to block.
Then at the other end, Anderson robbing Wilshere as he cocked the trigger and striding forwards to find Nani, who lost the ball to Clichy, won it back, but blazed wide.
Enter Fabregas, with 26 minutes to weave his magic, Robin Van Persie also added to the mix, Arsenal forcing the pace.
But not the breakthrough and it should have been all over 16 minutes from time when Clichy slipped but clearly handled as Nani jinked inside.
Rooney stepped up but blazed over the bar, to general disbelief but Arsenal delight.
There was no late drama, *Szczesny saving Rooneys exquisite chip. United in the box seat.
Park Ji-sung ensured the visiting Chilean miners were able to celebrate a Manchester United victory over Arsenal on their momentous visit to Old Trafford. David Beckham was also in a star-studded directors' box to see the Red Devils secure a triumph that maintains their unbeaten record. Far more importantly, it sends them two points clear of the chasing pack, with a match in hand. It should have been more. United wasted countless chances, the best of which being a penalty from Wayne Rooney 17 minutes from time that he ballooned over the bar.
For Arsenal, the sorry statistic of a fifth reverse concealed a desperately disappointing performance which did not get that much better even after Arsene Wenger had thrown his star man Cesc Fabregas on in a last desperate bid to secure a share of the spoils. Ferguson made the point in his programme notes that Arsenal are not the "lilywhites" they are often painted and so it proved during a tight first half in which the Gunners were well prepared to dish out some rough treatment. On a ground where they have often been ill-treated in the past, the visitors were more than willing to stand toe-to-toe with their opponents, the only surprise being that World Cup final referee Howard Webb did not book Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin until the last seconds of the opening period. By that point, the hosts were basking in Park's opener. The South Korean is one of the men whose recent improvement has retained United's position amongst the title contenders. It was his injury-time goal that secured victory over Wolves last month and it was an equally well-received effort that allowed United to seize the initiative. Set free by Rooney's neat nod-down, Nani crossed from the right and not even a deflection off Gael Clichy could prevent the ball bouncing to Park, who contorted his body in such a way as to loop a header over Wojciech Szczesny and into the net. For Szczesny it was a bitter blow. Handed his league debut after just three League Cup starts for the Gunners, the Pole had been a confident presence in what has so often been a problem position for Wenger. Sebastien Squillaci was responsible for the weak clearance that allowed Nani to send a first-time volley whistling past the Pole's right-hand post it was the hand of Chamakh that could easily have brought a penalty for United when he rather awkwardly got in the way of Nani's cross. Arsenal were a disappointment. The in-form Samir Nasri was a virtual bystander whilst Arshavin got onto the ball far more often but his final ball was a major let-down. Twice the hosts came close to doubling their advantage during the opening minutes of the second period. As part of his impressive evening, Szczesny produced a save reminiscent of Peter Schmeichel in his pomp to deny Anderson, who had burst onto a pass Rooney threaded through the Gunners defence. Then Nani fired over at the end of a fast counter, started by Anderson robbing Jack Wilshere near the United box and he felt he should have ended it as he screamed in vain for a far-post cross after finding himself completely unmarked. In between, Nasri had brought a full-length save out of Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic had blocked as Chamakh tried to turn home the rebound. Nasri was far more productive, although it was the double introduction of Fabregas and Robin van Persie that really showed how determined Arsenal were not to leave defeated. The bold move did leave them vulnerable to the counter-attack and it was on one such raid that Nani earned his side a penalty as he checked inside Clichy and forced the Frenchman to handle. Without a goal in open play since March, the England striker has scored from the spot twice this season. It was also the fifth United penalty in Arsenal's last eight visits to Old Trafford. There was no goal on this occasion though as Rooney ballooned his effort way over the bar. It did not sap the striker's confidence and a superb chip brought an excellent save out of Szczesny after latching onto Rio Ferdinand's pass. Theo Walcott wasted the Gunners' last chance to condemn them to defeat.
Arsene Wenger sprang a major surprise when he handed 20-year-old Pole Wojciech Szczesny his Premier League debut in Arsenal's Premier League showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Szczesny's only three previous Gunners appearances had come in the Carling Cup but with Lukasz Fabianski left on the bench, Wenger was relying on the youngster to keep United at bay. Cesc Fabregas was still on the bench following a hamstring injury, whilst Dimitar Berbatov found five goals in his last league appearance against Blackburn a fortnight ago was not enough to get him a starting slot as Wayne Rooney was handed a lone forward berth.
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