NO............................................

Good day folks, as promised yesterday on Twitter, and for those of you who don’t follow me on twitter this is my handle (sportsmadwilly) I promised to rant about the South African Rugby World Cup team representing us at this year’s R.W.C. The team all in all is a solid one (only because Jake White molded and picked almost the same team that the Clown P> Divvie has picked. The only difference being that Jake White was and will remain a great coach.

The South African Rugby Union has just proven that it is monopolized the same way that the South African Team is, with a Captain in both genres well past their sell by date. Today’s headlines read all about poor Art Matthews botching of the National anthem. Well I would have as well, seeing some of those players walk out.i mean the man is only human, and he is a true South African Rock Legend.

 Rather than point out only negatives I will point out suitable replacements for the players that should not have been picked. I mean some of the players picked have not played since the Super 15 and have not even proved their fitness yet.

Let’s begin,

Tendai Beast Matawarira: Blows hot and cold, however has come to form of late. Choice 6/10.

Guthro Sttenkamp: one of the worst picks in the squad. He lacks his pace and scrimmaging powers he possessed at the last world cup. Choice 4/10, replacements instead , in each union there is a player fitter and better than him, even the Bulls have better players to fill that position, and that’s his home union.

John Smit: What more can I say? The second worst pick of the Squad, not the player he was before, the fact that he selfishly thinks that he can make this team on his playing abilities bares testament to the (in it for me) factor. He is sloppy around the fringes and is there because he can lead? No man, these guys are professionals; the decisions get made upstairs by your technical staff in any case. Why would you need a Prefect on the field to marshal you? Choice 3/10, replacements, Strauss from the Cheetahs and the forgotten one Schalk Britz.

Chilliboy Ralepelle: at first I thought wow, this dude has skills. He probably has but he lost a lot by being injured. Now only there based on colour rather than merit. Choice 5/10. Replacements the same as John Smit.

Johan Muller: Joint last place, battled eventually to make a strengthening Sharks team and moved to Ulster, terrible choice. He is sloppy around the fringes, he is also injury prone and is slow. Choice 2/10. Replacements, well there are numerous, Ashley Johnson, Flip V.d Merwe, Josh Strauss, even Wikus van Heerden. Bear in mind all of these players are actively playing currie cup and are playing damn good rugby.

Francois Louw: second recipient of last place. What has he done that has eclipsed other players from other unions? Average at best. I have no words for this choice and also the comments made when given his cap. Choices 2/10, replacements, wow a hell of a lot, but let’s name a few. Deysel, Daniel, Minnie, Josh Strauss, Johnson (all of who are playing outstanding rugby.

The rest of the forwards are class and deserve to be there.

Now for the backline.

Odwa Ndungane: at best I can only describe this as a pick that pissed me off terribly. Before I get slated and get accused let me do this. Choice 3/10, Replacements, Basson, Mvovo, Mvovo,Mvovo,Mvovo oh and Mvovo.

Ruan Pienaar: Once a prodigious talent, now all he is, is a one dimensional player that has no imagination. Choice 5/10. Replacements, if for scrum half, Jano Vermaak, if for fly half Katsikides.

I see a lot of people reading my stories however very little comment. I would like for the comments to come through. I wish for one thing. All those young men who got left out and are rightfully aggrieved, I wish you could join the Namibian Rugby squad and win the world cup. You have a right to be angry and even though it’s supposed to be an honor to represent your country, your country does not represent you. Go overseas play where you are appreciated as Ross Skeate has and make Money.

Over and out.

I don't know, but i will find out.

Here goes nothing. Through all of a human beings faults and mistakes I am totally sure that I have made more than others (starts whistling to the tune of my way by old blue eyes). However, I am the first to admit fault and wrong doing. However I break promises and I hurt people. Where this stems from I don’t know. I will however get to the root of all my faults and problems.

They say that admitting ones faults is a general step in the right direction, well have to many to admit openly. I will say this though, when I LOVE, I LOVE with everything and will spare nothing to make you happy. The sad thing is that at the same time I fuck up. There is no equilibrium at all. One of my biggest faults is trying to impress and do well and the constant need for acknowledgement, where does this stem from? I don’t know, however I will find out.

Promises get broken and it almost gets taken for granted that things will sort themselves out because that’s how they have in the past. No, this is wrong. We need to sit down and talk about it. We need to be open, love, live and be like we used to. Non communication is a huge problem. Where does this stem from? Don’t know, however I will find out.

LOVE is a precious gift. We have had it, let’s have it again. We must work together, stick together and be together, unifying what was unified once before. Where has the path separated? Where has all that love and passion gone? Where does it stem from? I don’t know, however I will find out.

Where are we going?

I love the fact that the South African public has been basically brainwashed into believing that it is okay for our National Sports to lose, and then get the message that it’s okay because we tried. Oh and its fine considering the fact that players were missing. Ummmmm, no it’s not fine. These players get payed huge amounts of Money to perform on behalf of a country. They are there for a reason, because they are apparently the best in their chosen position to represent our country. Heaven help us if a Policing force or Defense force were picked along the same lines…….Oh wait it is. Schools are represented the same way as well. There is no more pride in South Africa. A couple of thoughts to ponder.

I was fortunate enough to attend an all boy’s school. Bashers were worn; we did cadets etc and all 1^st sport games were made compulsory to watch. A badger was lifted and a courteous good morning sir/mam or good afternoon sir/mam was offered to anybody senior to you. At a bus stop, preference was given to those more senior, and seats were offered to those more senior. Heaven helped you if you did not offer this gesture. Each standard (grade) in high school had their own lawns or areas to frequent during lunch breaks. Cadets were done for remembrance to those who fought for our countries independence and to protect us.

Sports were played because it was a way of life and a way to keep children mentally and physically fit. You were never forced to play a sport; you were offered the opportunity to do so. Once in a team you were graced with a certain type of belonging and being wanted. You played to the best of your ability, not be held in God like status but rather to be respected by your peers for doing your part on the field. The only reward on offer was the chance to play at a higher level. Your schools 1^st team, or perhaps even provincially. Each team was represented by a different colour and the ultimate was to wear a white scarf (1^st team) moncoloured blazer (full colours) and a red band around your basher (1^st team).

Today’s youth have taken a step into the total opposite direction. Backwards, Money and status have become no1 in their lives. Look at the ill discipline, drug use and so on. Military service is no longer compulsory (huge mistake as this was a huge platform for young adults). Walk along the street and see what response you get, nothing. Not even a hello. School standards have dropped, parenting has become wayward (there is the exclusion) and the youth simply put have no manners. What this has done is put society into a downhill spiral and we will ultimately lose all sense of right and wrong.

All of this to point out one simple fact, South Africa has lost its way. Rugby players are being astronomical amounts to play average Rugby. Cricketers God bless their souls have become overweight and battle to run between wicket never mind play to half their potential. Footballers, well let’s not get into that one. There is no more national pride, people can get mugged, hijacked, smash and grabbed or even in some cases raped in front of you without no public recourse, action or even remorse.

Our national sportsman/women and celebrities are a direct reflection of the state of our country. Everybody moans and does nothing about anything. Take a page out of the ANCYL’s book and stand together, unification will bring back the pride. Any other country in the world has national teams filled with talented proud individuals, it is the reason they are there, no money. We have so much diversity and politics involved in everyday life that we are a country dying. We do things half heartedly and we try. Try harder, do things to the best of your ability, don’t give up. Be the person you looked up to as a kid.BE PROUD.

Pick teams on merit, we are a talented nation, bring harsher sentences to people who break the law. How you ask? This is no overnight solution, but unfortunately the solution starts at home. Bring back the basics, morals, fidelity into your child’s upbringing and this is already the first step. Put your foot down and give 100%, this is how we will learn. No excuses for bad results stick your hand up and take accountability. I was wrong, I’ve done wrong or I’ve been wronged. Let’s start and let’s start together. When your child look down upon others less fortunate give that kid half of his/her belongings, your neighbor drives a fancier car? So what…… good luck to them. Turn the other cheek, show humility and kindness, this will pay it forward for the next generation. Quite simply live as the Bible wants us to live. BE PROUD…..

The Day After The Tsunami

                                           Sportsmadwilly’s Top Stories of the day








According to News 24 the damage of the earthquake in Japan has risen to $34bn, why everything has to be associated with American Dollars is beyond me. Why not the British Pound? Or even the controlling currency in Europe which as a matter of fact is stronger than the Dollar the Euro? Washington - The massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan will exact a massive economic toll estimated at between $14.5bn and $34.6bn, a leading risk analysis firm said on Sunday.AIR Worldwide (AIR) said its catastrophe modelling showed that property losses from Friday's disaster is preliminary, but estimates insured property losses likely will be "between $14.5bn and $34.6bn". link http://n24.cm/gF5Yfs Anyhoo, my feeling on this is sure, it’s sad, people died, and the world as a whole will suffer from this atrocity. However I must state categorically that I firmly believe in Karma and she is a Bitch sometimes. Do unto those as you would want done unto you. Case in point, the money Japanese whalers make from killing innocent mammals on a daily basis and here’s the kicker, from the SEA.

Real Madrid Football coach Jose Mourinho is highly upset with the Spanish Football Association and blames the association for basically rigging fixtures and favouring the clubs arch enemies Barcelona .He also blamed the league for less rest between games and also that Real Madrid who he coaches play more 22:00 time slotted games than Barcelona. Grow up Jose, just because your teams been clubbed silly by Barcelona and you are wasting the President and boards money doesn’t necessitate a bludgeoning of the SFA. Madrid – Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has backed Jose Mourinho in his complaints over the Spanish league fixtures schedule, which the Portuguese coach argues works in Barcelona's favour. Mourinho has repeatedly complained in recent weeks that Real have less time for rest between matches than arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona. For the full story visit this link http://bit.ly/g1slbL



In other football related news, Sir Alex Ferguson looks ready to offload his world class and England’s no1 striker Wayne “Shrek” Rooney. In a story not somewhat dissimilar to the hoax created by the two just before the January transfer window where Rooney wanted out and then decided to stay at the last minute, it seems now his greatest admirer Sir Alex is sick and tired of his shit and wants him out. I (see previous Blogs) am a staunch Chelsea supporter and would not mind seeing him travel to the Bridge. A change of scenery and a different mindset might do him all the good in the world. Luckily his wife isn’t nearly as attractive and he shouldn’t worry about that. For the full story here’s the link.
http://bit.ly/egwup3



In all seriousness, one must feel for the victims of any natural disaster and as such I felt compelled to add this to my blog for today. Not as many as Haiti or as nearly as enough as the Boxing day Tsunami, The Japanese Quake which has now been upgraded to a 9.0 on the Richter scale claimed more than 10000 lives in Japans tiny Miagi district. Here’s the link. http://bit.lyho8tzs



Lastly I will leave you with a few thoughts to ponder about things changing in this truly majestic world we live in. The times they are a changing, there is no doubt about that. Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Tsunami’s, flooding, the Proteas beating India in the Cricket World Cup, or better yet the Lions beating the Cheetahs in the Super 15, the formers first victory in 19 games.



I will also leave you with a link to before and after pictures of Japan in the aftermath of the 9.0 earthquake. www.boingboing.net/2011/03/12/japan-quake-and-tsun.html

To re or not to read?

So everybody scoffed and laughed off the ancient Mayans prediction of the world ending in 2012. If you asked the question “do you think the world would cease to exist by the end of the year 2012?” the answer from 99% of people would have been an emphatic NO.




I dare any reader to ask people who live in New York, Haiti, the great Tsunami area of Boxing day, Christchurch, Australia, The United Kingdom and Europe, and last and by no means least Japan, the same question today. If I hazard a guess the percentages would have changed drastically.



Is this a real warning? Or is it merely natures way of” culling”? Fuckit all, I say run, hide, buy on credit and live life to the fullest, get pissed, fornicate. The END is nigh.



Hahaha, seriously let’s put things into perspective. New York, the Big Apple, fucked up by two Boeings on Sept 11th by pilots trained by the U.S government to fly planes, way to go guys, next train the terrorists how to manufacture silent killers that they can drop from planes and let the wind do the rest. Bio war that’s it, thought the words had escaped me but my mate Mohammed reminded me what it was called.



Jan 11th Haiti gets hit by the mother of quakes and woosh, its almost gone. America once again gets involved and sends in troops and foreign aid and last but once again not least Wyclif Jean to try and sort the shit out by running for president. He doesn’t win, the world forgets about Haiti and the poor guys have still not recovered. Seriously, they are in shit.



March 11th Japan gets clubbed by an 8.9 earthquake that shifts the earth off its own axis. Sends tsunamis all over the world and sets off explosions in one of their 51 nuclear reactors. The world is abuzz with activity, pessimists are preparing and conspiracy theorists are licking their lips, ancient Mayan Spirits are doing the moon walk with Michael Jackson and the U.S president elect (they know who it’s going to be by then is already drawing up contingency plans for his evacuation ala Armageddon.



The Americans are to blame I tell you, Charlie Sheen, Justin Bieber and Billy Ray Cyrus, the latter for making Miley. Imagine if you will, the entire population of Japan Laughing to 2 and a half men , singing and dancing to Justins” baby baby baby oh or doing the same to Mileys it’s the climb and what do you have? Yup you guessed it, a fucking catastrophe.



So I leave you with a reading from the bible, seriously now no bull, profanities or references to mere mortals.



Luke 21:10-11

Then Jesus said to his disciples:” Nation will rise against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great Earthquakes’, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from Heaven. Jesus says, for behold I come quickly.



So ask yourself, if you are reading this, ARE YOU READY? Or is this just a bridge mother nature is throwing at is to cross over, like I said earlier without prejudice , jokes or profanities , get ready, one way or another, all roads, be it from Tokyo, Soweto, New York, Queensland, Athens, to Amsterdam lead to God.

Fortunate

First a bit about African Bee's. http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/sep/stories/kbees.html

Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) -- also called Africanized bees or killer bees -- are descendants of southern African bees imported in 1956 by Brazilian scientists attempting to breed a honey bee better adapted to the South American tropics.







Where to start? I am gathering a bit of info about the many great people that i have had the privilege of meeting and getting very close to. Case in point 1 Johannes Relleke. A mountain of a man, a man of great presence, a man of fortitude and a man that I hold in the highest regard.




Whilst living in the sleepy town of Margate I came across a fraternity of men, not going to mention names or describe it, but was never the less intrigued by it. My then partner knew of some people that knew of other people that got me acquainted with some of the members of this ancient fraternity.



I was invited to meet up and was met by senior members and got affiliated and then later joined. What followed was a life altering choice and a decision that made me who I am today. Brian Relleke was soon to become an integral part of my life and goings forth. He alone is a great guy who even though moved to Australia is still part of my thoughts and we communicate quite frequently via email. His wife Gaylene and daughter Kirsty are fantastic and form a great family with a lot of history and part of a legacy.



However my post tonight is about Brian’s dad and Kirsty’s dadudz . Johannes Relleke. Johannes Relleke a mountain of a man (literally) is a man with such a long History that it would take days to read and write about him. Heres an excerpt from one of the articles about him.





Johannes Relleke survived 2,443 bee stings on Jan. 28, 1962, at the Gwai River in Rhodesia. Taken from this link . http://www.trivia-library.com/b/kevin-goldstein-jackson-collection-of-fun-and-bizarre-trivia.htm

The story as told by John is that some of his workers at the tin mine he worked and managed on in Rhodesia had gone missing. Along with another worker and his trusty Rhodesian Ridgeback he went searching for them. He basically walked into an ambush of African bee’s. Each man to his own he and his dog ran for the river whilst being chased down by the swarm. Running on a ledge he decided to make a jump for it into the Gwai river. He grabbed his dog and made the leap. The bee’s followed suite and continued their barrage on him and all he could think about was his dog. He proceeded to put the dog under and leave only its nose exposed as to get some air into the dog. This selfless act resulted in John being stung in the face, throat and lips every time he went up for air.



What seemed like an eternity and many miles down the river literally with his life in the balance and bee’s still swarming around him he got a little respite in shallower water. It was at this point that John noticed that his trusty dog had become quite restless. What eventually happened was that a croc had come into the proximity and taken the dog out of his hands. Sad really considering that he had protected it the whole way. Irony maybe that the dog sensing the danger had risked its life in return.

This act of defiance resulted in John being entered and to this day as a Guinness world record holder for the person with the most bee stings sustained and surviving. Quite funny was that he went deaf in I think the left ear, and years after the ordeal he was thrown to the mat in a judo practice session. Low and behold a bee popped out of his ear and he could hear again. This story is a small part of the achievements he has gained after. John’s daughter passed away and I was asked and privileged enough to deliver a eulogy on Brian’s behalf. John for the first time ever was as sad as I had ever seen him. However being the man that I know he once again stood against adversity and forged ahead.



Call this what you may and chose to, but John much respect and love. You are a man that I wish I was half of. Brian you are a mate of mates and I look forward to seeing you one day again. John thanks for driving Brian and I around every Friday when we were pissed or pissing it up. Kirsty , by the pictures your dad has sent me I can see that you have blossomed into a beautiful young lady. Gay, you are a fantastic person and always will be.



Love you guy’s stacks……



Miss you!



See you on the square.

Twitter

Where to start? Who to mention? What is happening in this crazy roller coaster of a world we live in?




Ill start with Chelsea my team in blue! Injuries, bad selection and general unhappiness has resulted in them playing the worst football imaginable. So much so that I am of the opinion that I will be Dan Van Hemert’s biatch for the rest of the season. Dan and I have a football pact that we have entered into for the duration of the English Premier league.



Besides the pact Dan and I have become quite good friends and play the occasional golf game, and have met up with Angelo Coppello (hope its spelt correctly. This brings me to my next point! Dan and I have a general love of sports and are quite competitive. So Sunday the 12th of December will be the first of a Spurs V.S Chelsea Football golf day. Golf in the afternoon and watching the football with mates later. The latter being the real character tester.



Luckily we have our spouses with to make sure that Dan does not step out of line. Especially him being the Springbok Ice Hockey MMA Xfit junky that he is, he even wears a neck chain to control his IONS. Digressing once again, my main aim in this very short blog today is to mention how powerful social networking is. Twitter has made me good friends with people of all walks of life, I even met a buddy (Dan) on it. It also breaks friendships, however, try it! Ask a question and it gets answered! Ask a favour and most people would try their level best to help.



Twitter is a powerful tool! Use it! I encourage you.