FORZA AZURRI-THIS IS WHERE IT BEGINS

We are but a week away from Euro 2008. And this is where it begins. This is the fire inside and the passion that burns within. This is what its all about, The Azurri. This is when nerves get shot and the pressure gets high. More Pressure than watching Liverpool or Juve.

This is when that anthem bellows in before kickoff and when you get that Rush. Even better is that Del Piero is in the squad.



The road to Vienna want very smooth. Going in with the tag as WoRLD CHAMPIONS increased the pressure but thats what World Champions have to endure. Early draw against Lithuania ,a loss to France and Donadoni was feeling the heat. An intense game against the Scots saw Italy through in the end.

I must be honest Im not a fan of Donadoni. Or let me put it this way Im not a fan of these young inexperienced Coaches. Especially when we in the group of death. And Everyone knows Italy start slowly always. France, The Dutch and Romania. I figure we Have to beat Romania,theres no question about it there, and either draw against teh French and Dutch. But if we beat Holland in the opener. Wel go through. If we lose that first game, We in the perishaans (problems).



With the squad that Donadoni chose. Im happy. I wouldnt have dropped Oddo. Oddo was great througout the campaign, suffers an injury and then gets dropped. Heres the Final 23 Donadoni chose.



(1) Gianluigi Buffon(2) Christian Panucci(3) Fabio Grosso(4) Giorgio Chiellini(5) Fabio Cannavaro (c)(6) Andrea Barzagli(7) Alessandro Del Piero(8) Gennaro Gattuso(9) Luca Toni(10) Daniele De Rossi(11) Antonio Di Natale(12) Marco Borriello(13) Massimo Ambrosini(14) Marco Amelia(15) Fabio Quagliarella(16) Mauro Camoranesi(17) Morgan De Sanctis(18) Antonio Cassano(19) Gianluca Zambrotta(20) Simone Perrotta(21) Andrea Pirlo(22) Alberto Aquilani(23) Marco Materazzi

Tonight we face off against Belgium. Donadoni is said to be going for the Trident attack. Im sure his line up for tonight and the Finals will be Buffon in the sticks, Zambrotta, Panuchi, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Gatuss, De Rossi, Pirlo, Camoronesi, De Natale and Toni. Del coming off the bench to create some magic.



Whatever the result tonight, next week it begins


Forza Azurri
Bring on the Dutch


Talk about atmosphere, When Italy met France in milan last year and the anthem was sung it was f#4ken riviting

FROM THE KOP END

Liverpool are Europe's number one - it's official
May 28 2008 by Tony Barrett
LIVERPOOL will go into the forthcoming season as Europe's number one ranked team.
The Reds top UEFA's official rankings thanks to their Champions League performances over the past five seasons.
Having won the competition in 2005, been runners up to AC Milan in 2007 and made it through to the semi-finals this year, Rafa Benitez's team has accrued more ranking points than any other club in Europe.
Liverpool top the rankings table with 104.284 points, giving them a one point lead over Italian giants AC Milan.
Next on the list are Chelsea and Barcelona, with Arsenal in sixth and current Champions League holders Man United in seventh.
Other British teams on the list include Newcastle in 19th, Rangers in 20th, Middlesbrough in 27th, Spurs in 31st, Bolton in 41st, Everton in 44th and Celtic in 52nd.
Liverpool have moved up from third to first thanks to last season's run to the semi-finals, meaning they top UEFA's rankings for the first time since 1985.
Their recent form in the Champions League also means that they will go into the qualifiers for next season's competition as number one seeds and will thereby avoid the other seeded teams when the draw for the qualifying rounds is made in July.
Meanwhile, Krisztian Nemeth's rapid progress since joining Liverpool last summer has been recognised by Hungary who have called the teenage striker into their senior squad for Saturday's international with Croatia.
The 19-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the stars of Gary Ablett's title-winning reserve side after moving to the club from MTK Hungaria in July 2007.
A string of dazzling performances and several eye-catching goals in a debut season in which he finished up as top scorer have marked Nemeth out as a player for the future and Benitez believes he has the ability to challenge for a place in Liverpool's first team.
The Reds boss said: "He is a player with game intelligence, with ability and someone who can score goals. He is a player we are keeping an eye on for the future.

"He must keep working. I think he will be much better in time because he wants to learn."
At the weekend, Nemeth fired Hungary's under-19 side to the European Championships with the only goal of the game against Portugal.

Thanks MR Gani for the feed

also breaking news sent to me by the Chavel

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have resorted to more dirty tricks in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo by claiming they are negotiating with the Glazer family.
The Spanish giants say they have ignored Ferguson and chief executive Gill and contacted the club's American owners directly.
But that has been denied out of hand by a spokesman for the family, who said: "As Sir Alex and David Gill have already said, Ronaldo is not for sale."
In a further bizarre twist, Spanish sports newspaper Marca claim Real have a club car (right)ready and waiting for wing wizard Ronaldo.
The top-of-the-range Audi has been pictured in a club car park with a hand-written notice on the dashboard saying: ‘Deliver to Cristiano Ronaldo'.

ASK BABOO & BENNY

Well , They coming back, The post that stirs the pot.Some find it popular, others lambast it. For those of you that dont know who Baboo and Benny is, Well they Swoosh0018 advice Columnist.

Benny is a rigid, upright liberal female who probably never ever got laid in her life. She loves politics and believes women should be leaders.

Baboo:...Well he is just a bastard

*Please if this posts offends anyone than simply scroll sown or f#4k off. These are true questions that come in from readers..And Baboo and Bhenny are real. I cannot disclose who they are

Dear B & B. Women.....They are messed up creatures. You just cant understand them. Why do they not say what they mean or mean what they say. Why must there always be a subliminal, hidden thing. Like they yell you to speak to your ex girlfriend. Then you do it and they get pissed off. And why do they store information for decades. Please Help and offer some advice?

BHENNY: Oh my word, Dont you know that you must always be sensitive to a women's needs. My god Men are so insensitive. They do it to see how loyal men are and they test to see the lengths of sacrifice that you will endure for them. When they say Go speak to your ex,They mean Dont speak to your Ex, Think about how secure they will feel if you say "No my Darling...You are my one and only, I donot wish to speak to my ex. You are the Queen of this World." Also men are such pigs that they always fail in the biggest situations. Their biggest failure arises when The Shopping question is posed to them during a big Football game. Even though they know that the Big game means Everything they just want you to say "Ok my darling. I will sacrifice this big game because and only beacuse you are the Queen of the Universe.
So you insensitive men out there....That is why woman Dont mean what they say.

BABOO: That is the most ridiculous advice I have ever heard. What s#4te is that They dont mean what they say. Damn it. If my wife or wives tell me to take out the Garbage..What the f34k does it mean. I musnt take out the garbage. In my Book if they say do something Il f#4ken do it. Let me give you an example. My wife, or my second wife an I went out to a movie once and I seen my ex girlfriend. So my wife said. "Dont be rude Baboo....Go have a chat.Its been years".Il wait in the corner." So I go up to my ex. Have a chat...."Hows married life, Hows the kids." I smile a little not to be rude. It takes me all but 5 minutes. Anyways we get into the car, and not a bloomin word from my wife. I offer her sweets from heaven and she says she is not hungry. The funny thing is she insisted we buy sweets from heaven because she hasnt had it in years. I say ok. I drive on. I look at a billboard. I say..."Thats a nice advert". She is grumpy now and says "Its ok........Ive seen better. In my mind that s the best advert in SA. I switch on the radio...She says turn it off please.My ears are sore. I say...Was it the ex?. She says "Why are you men so egotistical.Must it be always about you"

Im baffled now. I say half and hour ago I was with the happiest female in the world.After I spoke to the ex. I get this shit.

Wait its not over. I f#4kn get invited to the inlaws ten years later for a braai. After playing soccer with the boys I arrived ten minutes later. Just a measely ten minutes....And wait for it

She goes to that F#4KEN DATABASE pulls this Sandton ex girlfriend File out from the archives. And Rips me to shreds. "Oh but when you spoke to your ex in Sandton, You were full of smiles, and you moved your body, and showed her your muscles. "I mean f#4k women...You were the one that told me to speak to her. And as for the Big Soccer game...What the f#4k there is no compromise there. Do we ask them to come play Golf with us when they have a bridal shower.Fuck that

I say they must all realise that WHEN YOU SAY SOMETHING YOU MUST MEAN IT. What you say readers

BABE OF THE WEEK

This weeks Babe of the Week is Zenia Nothnagel. PIM had the priviledge of meeting with Zenia and had an exclusive one on one with Zenia. For more pictures of Zenia and her interview log on to www.p-inmotion.blogspot.com

MONACO GRAND PRIX

As expected, Monaco delivered high drama as the rain played havoc with the cars and strategies. In what became a racing lottery, it’s surprising that there were only 5 retirements due to accident damage. Both Kimi and Lewis managed to survive their own incidents with Lewis going on to win the race in style. He described it as the ‘highlight’ of his career and he takes the lead in the driver’s championship.

Monaco is always a superb Grand Prix, Beautiful to race the streets of France. The Fantasy winners in monaco were

1st Podium Finish: ARY MOOSA Mika's pride

2nd Podium Finish: RIDWAAN MAYET Rids 144

3rd Podium Finish: Riyad Loonat Real Champions 143

THE DRIVERS STANDINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS
1.Mohammed Shakir Laher The Master Senna 856
2. Riyad Loonat Real Champions838
3.Ary Moosa Mika's pride 825

BEST OF THE BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 07/08

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHAMPION OF EUROPE.
Hoosain Mayet, Euro Herbly FC is the Champion of Europe. I must admit that after the Group stages Herbly set the pace and couldnt be caught. He Won, The Mancs Won. Herbly,Tell us about your strategy please. You f#4ked us all up. Everybody f#4ked me up. I was last. But Herbly its been a great footie season for you. You have won Europe, You got the double over Ebie J for two years in a row. It couldnt be sweeter. And the MANCS won the Double.

A beautiful trophy awaits you from Swoosh0018.com.

1Euro Herbly FC Hoosain Mayet 34 639
2ANZO STARS ANEES MAYET 27 594
3 Watamu Warriors Salim Motala 35 577
4 Fordsburg Lighties Bilal Coovadia 32 574
5Torres Euro Glory Ary Moosa 29 573
6 Fantasy Sluts Yusuf Seth 38 573
7 Rafa'ello's ziyaad mayet 12 558
8 Ejazia2 Ejaz Khan 23 550
9 Russian Dream Ebrahim Ahmed 16 545
10 Blasterz Yusuf Ahmed 35 545

FANTASY EURO 2008

EURO 2008.....FANTASY LEAGUE.....

Guys which one one do we play...

The Ultimate Dreams one or the
http://fantasy.kickoff.com/

Macdonalds one
http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/

We have secured a Sponsor for this Cup

This Cup will be sponsored By Joma Sportswear

So a Trophy awaits the winner.....................
All entries Free

So say your say lads

SUPER TUESDAYS ON SWOOSH0018.COM

I got an interesting article from the Independant. Thanks Mohamed Riaz for the email

The race for the stars: Top flight set for record transfer spree

It's that time of year when the Big Four go for the big fish, middle managers go begging to their benefactors and the new boys try to stay afloat. Nick Harris looks forward to a summer of spending

Manchester United and Chelsea, the two most indebted clubs in the world's richest league, have battled for the Premier League and the European Cup, and they are about to embark on a third race, for the title of the summer's biggest spenders.

In what is expected to be another record-breaking transfer window, Chelsea have as close as you can get to unlimited funds and it would be no surprise to see up to £100m spent. United, who spent (or rather committed to spend) something like £65m last summer, are actually in a healthier position this year, despite external debts of £666m.

If Sir Alex Ferguson wants to spend £70m or more this time around, the Glazer family will find ways and means of providing it for him.

Arsenal also have money, although nowhere near the £69.1m touted as available when they produced their last year-end accounts in May 2007. Around £25m of that was already earmarked for stadium debt, and as much again is tied up in property deals that will pay longer-term dividends. But that still leaves somewhere between £25m-£30m. Liverpool should have a similar sum, but again that will be partly dependent on what Rafael Benitez can accrue from sales.

Funds available elsewhere will range from the £10m likely to be given to Blackburn's manager Mark Hughes and West Ham's Alan Curbishley, up to the £50m region given to Sunderland's Roy Keane and to whoever occupies the managerial seat at Manchester City.

The factors that determine the budget vary from club to club. A majority of clubs lost money according to the most recent accounts available, for the season ending 2006-07. Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham bucked that trend with operating profits of £79.1m, £51.2m and £29.7m respectively. Most of the rest, for all the flood of TV riches that are pouring into the game, still rely on benefactors.

That might change, slightly, when the new money from the 2007-10 TV deals kicks in, but not significantly, because costs (mainly wages) keep rising. Chelsea are the prime example, in debt via private interest-free loans to Roman Abramovich to the tune of £578m. At Liverpool, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have hocked the club with debts of £350m.

Everton still rely on the largesse of Bill Kenwright, Aston Villa rely on Randy Lerner, Sunderland rely on the Drumaville consortium, Fulham on Mohamed Al Fayed (to whom they owe £150m-plus), Middlesbrough on Steve Gibson, Wigan on Dave Whelan, and so on.

Manchester United can afford to splash out this summer because they are, simply, by far the biggest club in England, with the most success and revenues to match. As a spokesman for the Glazer family said: "There is a long-term debt hanging over the club, but the cash flow more than covers that and will increase going forward."

While debt repayments amounted theoretically to £81m for the 2006-07 season, United only actually paid £42m. "That left £37m free cash flow [from the £79.1m operating profits], by far and away more than any other club," the spokesman said. It was on that basis that Ferguson was allowed to sign Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, and to hire Carlos Tevez for two years, with a fixed price option to make it a permanent deal at any time of United's choosing between now and the end of June 2009.

The outlook for the financial year to 2008 looks bright again, the spokesman insists, not least because domestic TV revenues will increase, and because of Champions League success. Winning the Premier League in 2008 also guarantees entry into next season's Champions League. As importantly, that guarantees a big share of Uefa TV money from next season's top-table European competition.

"Of course there is money available for players," the spokesman said. "Our financial situation is as good, in fact better than last year."

And what about those debts, quoted as high as £764m when accounting methods and monies owed for players are included? "The debt structure is stable long term, and the credit crunch having no bearing on our financials." The spokesman says that the debt seen as most damaging – around £135m of remaining hedge-fund debt – accrues interest of 14.25 per cent, but will be restructured in due course. United's average interest repayments, across all loans, is around nine per cent.

Do the Glazer family ever intend to clear all the debt? They will "consider the opportunity costs going forward". In layman's terms, they will not bother clearing debt accruing nine per cent interest if they think that the cash that could pay off that debt will make more than nine per cent if put to use elsewhere.

One club where big debts have come close to sinking the ship is Fulham. You need only look at the most recently filed year-end accounts (to June 2007) to see that in stark terms.

"In the event of relegation from the Premier League [in 2007-08], the company's revenues would fall in the next two years to a level which would not finance ongoing contractual commitments, and the company would therefore have to place more reliance on funds provided by the parent company and take action to significantly reduce operating costs," the report said.

"Such action could prevent the maintenance of a playing squad capable of gaining promotion back to the Premier League. Therefore the Company's main aim is to prevent this risk becoming a reality." In other words, had Roy Hodgson not managed the near-miracle of Premier League survival, it might effectively have been the end of the line for Fulham as far as backing from Al Fayed was concerned. The firesale would have started. Costs would have been slashed. There were no more guarantees.

Instead, Al Fayed has reportedly had his love of the game revitalised by survival, and he will be just another in a line of chairmen writing cheques this summer for new players.

Blackburn could be among the lowest spenders, unless they sell David Bentley and /or Roque Santa Cruz and re-invest the proceeds. The club's ultimate owners, the family trust set up by Jack Walker, made it clear in last year's accounts "their preference to dispose of their holding." They do not want to keep bankrolling losses. Due to TV money increasing, budgets have been maintained and "there is no hurry to sell". But, the report said: "Focus is on finding a suitable investor to take the club forward."

As for Stoke and Hull, the oddball economics of the Premier League might mean, in the not too distant future, that reaching the promised land was also the beginning of the end. You only need to ask Oldham, Swindon Town, QPR, Barnsley, Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Leeds, Southampton and Leicester City – to name a few – for testimony that the Premier League can ultimately, seriously damage your wealth.

What's in the kitty? How the Premier League clubs shape up financially

Manchester United
Owned by: Glazer family (since 2005).
Value: £936m.
Turnover: £210m (to 30 June 2007).
Profit/loss: £79.1m operating profit.
Debts: £666m. (last annual interest payment, £42m).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £49.35m.
Summer kitty: £60m+.

Chelsea
Owned by: R Abramovich (since 2003).
Value: £381m.
Turnover: £190.5m (to June 2007).
Profit/loss:-£75.8m loss.
Debt: £578m (interest-free loans from Abramovich).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £45.58m.
Summer kitty: £100m.

Arsenal
Owned by: Major shareholders - D Fiszman (24.1%), A Usmanov (24%), N Bracewell Smith (15.9%); S Kroenke (12.2%).
Value: £612m.
Turnover: £200.8m (to May 2007).
Profit/loss: £51.2m operating profit.
Debt: £268.2m.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £47.04m.
Summer kitty: £25m+.

Liverpool
Owned by: T Hicks (50%), G Gillett (50%) (since 2007).
Value: £523m.
Turnover: £133.9m (to July 2007)
Profit/loss: £21.7m loss.
Debt: £350m.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £45.44m.
Summer kitty: £20m plus receipts.

Everton
Owned by: B Kenwright (37.2%), R Earl (34.6%), J Woods (28.2%).
Value: c.£80m.
Turnover: £51.4m (to June 2007).
Profit/loss: £10.9m operating loss.
Debt: £26.4m.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £42.11m.
Summer kitty: £20m.

Aston Villa
Owned by: R Lerner (since 2006).
Value: c.£90m
Turnover: £52.7m (to 31 May 2007).
Profit/loss: £18.8m op' loss. Debt: £37m.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £42.26m.
Summer kitty: c.£30m.

Blackburn Rovers
Owned by: The Walker Trust
Value: c£50m.
Turnover: £43.3m (to June 2007).
Profit/loss: £3.3m operating loss.
Debt: £20m.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £40.24m.
Summer kitty: c.£10m, depends on sales.

Portsmouth
Owned by: A Gaydamak (since 2006).
Value: c.£50m.
Turnover: c.£40m. (no accounts filed to 2007).
Profit/loss: n/a.
Debt: n/a. (c.£20m-plus).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £40.39m.
Summer kitty: c.£15m.

Manchester City
Owned by: T Shinawatra (since 2007).
Value: c.£85m.
Turnover: £56.9m (to May 2007).
Profit/loss: £1.4m operating loss.
Debt: n/a (c.£20m in loans at May 07).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £39.67m.
Summer kitty: £50m.

West Ham United
Owned by: B Gudmundsson (since 2006).
Value: £108m.
Turnover: £49.43m (to May 2007).
Profit/loss: £10.1m op' loss.
Debt: Cleared by Gudmundsson.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £36.77m.
Summer kitty: £10m.

Tottenham Hotspur
Owned by: ENIC (J Lewis).
Value: c.£200m.
Turnover: £103.1m (to June 2007).
Profit/loss: £29.7m operating profit.
Debt: £29.1m in loan notes.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £36.05m.
Summer kitty: £30m, inc receipts, eg: Berbatov.

Newcastle United
Owned by: M Ashley (since 2007).
Value: £200m.
Turnover: c.£90m.
Profit/loss: n/a.
Debt: Effectively cleared (from -£60m).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £39.25m.
Summer kitty: c.£30m.

Middlesbrough
Owned by: S Gibson (since 1993).
Value:c.£55m.
Turnover: £47.98m (to Dec 1996).
Profit/loss: £13.3m pre-tax loss.
Debt: £43.7m. (to Gibson-controlled parent company).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £34.17m.
Summer kitty: £12m.

Wigan Athletic
Owned by: D Whelan (since 1995).
Value: c.£40m.
Turnover: £26.9m (to May 2007).
Profit/loss: £13.4m oper' loss.
Debt: £36.9m. (to Whelan-controlled parent company).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £33.45m.
Summer kitty: up to £20m.

Sunderland
Owned by: Drumaville Consortium (since 2006).
Value: c.£50m.
Turnover: £26.3m (to July 2007).
Profit/loss: £12m operating loss.
Debt: n/a.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £33.6m.
Summer kitty: c.£45m.

Bolton
Owned by: E Davies (since 2003).
Value: c.£50m.
Turnover: £43m (to July 2007).
Profit/loss: £2.01m pre-tax loss.
Debt: £37m to parent company.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £32m.
Summer kitty: c.£20m.

Fulham
Owned by: M Al-Fayed (since 1997).
Value: c.£150m.
Turnover: £39.7m (to 30 June 2007).
Profit/loss:£11m operating loss (£15.2m loss including transfers).
Debts: £149.6m and rising. (interest-free loans to M Al Fayed).
Prem TV cash 07-08: £31.29m.
Summer kitty: c.£15m.

West Bromwich Albion
Owned by: Majority shareholder J Peace (since 2007).
Value: c.£20m.
Turnover: £26m (to June 2007).
Profit/loss: n/a.
Debt: n/a.
Prem TV cash 07-08: £11.39m (parachute).
Summer kitty: c.£15m.

Stoke City
Owned by: P Coates (since 2006).
Value: Less than £10m.
Turnover: £7.9m (to May 2007).
Profit/loss: £2.9m operating loss.
Debt: Negligible.
Prem TV cash 07-08: n/a.
Summer kitty: c.£15m, inc wage commitments.

Hull City
Owned by: P Duffen (since 2007).
Value: c.£10m.
Turnover: c.£12m (2007-08).
Profit/loss: n/a.
Debt: n/a.
Prem TV cash 07-08: N/A
Summer kitty: c.£15m, inc wages.

From:www.indpendant.co.uk

Fergie Team Talk Inspirational - Rooney
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has claimed that a pre-match team talk by manager Sir Alex Ferguson inspired the team to go on and win the Champions League...

United were crowned European champions in midweek after beating Chelsea in a penalty shootout after the game had finished one all. This, added to the Premier League title, claimed a week earlier ensured the side claimed yet another historic Double. However Rooney has revealed that it was Ferguson’s words in the dressing room before the game that inspired the team to victory against Chelsea. “Just listening to him in the team meeting before the game made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up,” he said before adding, “I am not going to say exactly what he said but he really inspired us.” Rooney went on to lavish praise on his manager who has now guided the club to two Champions League titles. He said: “You have to respect him so much. He's been there before and with all his experience you have to listen to him.” He also revealed that Ferguson’s appetite for the game remains undiminished, saying: “Sir Alex has been fantastic for Manchester United. Since I have been there he has been amazing. His desire to win after all these years is unbelievable. It proves how good he is with the trophies he has won.”Rooney also dismissed any talk of Ferguson retiring in the near future and revealed how much his manager loved his job: “On the training pitch he is laughing and smiling and joking. He is really happy. He enjoys coming in every day and just passing his knowledge down to the younger players. I can't see him leaving now.”

www.goal.com

I was speaking to a Liverpool Toppie(Indian old man) and he said you know that f#4ken Sir alex Ferguson signed some good players over the years.

What is there now for the toppie to win. Fergi wont retire yet.He still has to beat Liverpools recors,that means two more titles in the premiership and three more champions leagues if Im not mistaken. never going to happen

Benni No Show again.

Ok we are tired of this story now. Is it benni?Is SAFA to blame?

My question of the Super Tuesday to all my readers!

DOES BAFANA NEED BENNI OR CAN WE SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM. OR IS HIS NO SHOW ATTITUDE DETRIMENTAL TO THE CAUSE OF 2010?

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

A great Music Video. This is the kinda thing that lets the adrenaline pump through my veins

CONTENT STATEGY FOR EURO 2008

OK, THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY

So Calling all Writers........

Obviously I will be covering the Azurri.
Seth is covering the Dutch.
Killa , zee the Germans
Anyone wants to cover the following teams, email me swoosh0018@gmail.com

Spain, Portugal, France, and any of the others...Irfaan,maybe you want the Spanish.

You guys can send your articles whenever...before the game,after ,Whenever you feel like it.

Just send the article in a Word Document and the pictures separate as jpgs.
As soon as Donadoni anounces his final squad on Wednesday, The games Begin

DIVISION 1 PLAY OFFS

LEEDS 0 DONCASTER 1

Heartbreak for Leeds. A team that once upon a time had graced the premiership for so many years. Sorry Mini.

Theres always a next time. Unlike the Mancs the ghosts of Munich dont come and help the poor.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness.......and they live by what they hear................Such people become crazy ...................BUT THEY BECOME LEGEND"-Swoosh

XENOPHOBIA-TIME TO SWOOSH IT UP

We are all aware of the Xenophobic attacks that have engulfed us recently. This is where Swosh0018's Charity Foundation comes in. With the asistance of Swoosh0018's Zahira Kharsany who wrote the piece below and many other organisations OPERATION HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH and WINTER OUT will now shift a gear and We will be assisting the Refugee Camps, Homeless and more importantly the Kids who have suffered. We have already begun distributing Toys, Clothes, Blankets and Food. So please if You have anything you would like to contribute Please email me , phone me or drop it off by the Swoosh Collection Points, which will be ready by Wednesday

So any clothes, toys food or whatever these people need, we will strive to provide

Xenophobia in SA --- Help change the situation!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------
By Zahira Kharsany


http://www.zahirasspace.blogspot.com/



My little one who said Merci for bringing her goodies.


Blind Zimbabweans at Jeppe Street Police Station


Mattresses finally donated

The long food line

The boys wanting their pic taken -- they such honeys

These last two weeks have been the most argonising one that I have experienced in ages. I turned to journalism for the reason that presented itself in the last week. Xenophobic attacks, displaced people, pure utter thugery all in my own back yard. I would never have thought it possible. I honestly thought one day I would be travelling to OTHER African countries to cover stories like this.

Now I get to cover it without stepping off my door step…

Makes you wonder --- doesn’t it?

These same people who think its okay to beat up innocent people need to take a look at what they really trying to achieve with their nonsense.

I mean – do people know that this has been the first necklacing (where pple are burnt to death by a tire round their neck) since Apartheid – almost 20 years ago!!!!!

Has South Africa lost its soul?

There are many reasons as to why this seems to be happening and even though it may have started as Xenophobia its honestly changed to something worse -- feels amazingly evil. When have you ever seen Johannesburg city dead at night???Never!!! But its become like a ghost town of late. Mobs of youngsters inciting violence and also just looting for the fun and sake of it. That to me is definitely not Xenophobia.

I went to the refugee camps and I was brought to tears to see young children who have been born and schooled in South Africa asking “Why is this happening?” with the heaviest South African accent I have heard. Innocents with the only fault that their parents are not from South Africa. “Can you brings us chocolates and biscuits and colouring books when you come again?”

That’s all they ask for even though they are now living with out a roof over their heads!!!! In make shift tents in the grounds of Jeppe Police Station they stay with their mothers and other children, while their fathers or older male siblings stay in the cold under the night stars.

Huddled together for warmth I find a group of Zimbabwean blind people who are in dire need, as what ever blankets that were distributed they were forgotten about in the ensuing stampede. They are blind they cannot reach the people handing blankets out -- they are the forgotten!!! When do we ever turn on the disabled????? I read a letter written by them to the South African people --- do you know what they say --- They THANK us for allowing them to beg to gain a little money!!!! They Thank us!??!?!?!?!? Do we not get it?!??!?!?

There’s a group of people dancing and singing praising the Lord… they don’t do it because they happy, they do it because they hope something better comes from it…they do it so that they can find a way to stay warm…they do it because there is nothing else they can do while they wait for help.

Given only four slices of bread for the day these people are starving, destitute and with the weather conditions the way they are at present most likely to freeze to death.

Anyone wishing to help in any way you can contact:
Islamic Reflief and Gift of the Givers are based in Mint Road, Fordsburg and take donations at their offices. Alternatively Gift of the Givers has a huge truck taking donations outside Village Walk in Sandton today until about 6pm.

Or MAIL ME: zahirakharsany[at]gmail.com

Anything welcomed including your time as only 10 volunteers were present at Jeppe when I visited.
www.zahirasspace.blogspot.com

Our Swoos'hing it collection points have been established and will be ready on Wednesday 28 MAY.I apologise for the delay. Some admin had to be sorted out

The Collection points have been set up at Adega Fordsburg in JHB
& MTN LENASIA FREEWAY CELLULAR AT TRADE ROUTE MALL

If anyone else wants to set up collection points in their respective areas you more than welcome.
Once you have enough just email me or call me 082 581 0735 ,swoosh0018@gmail.com

Also Email me ur collection point details and we will advertise it on Swoosh0018.com

Im happy to say that since we began Swooshing it up, clothes Toys etc have been coming in

Thank you to the Saloojee Family, Aniesa Ali and Mahmood Wadee for their latest contributions.

Lets Make a Difference
Naseem "Swoosh" Mayet

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMOROW

Well Ive been growing my hair for the past 6 months. Shahid Osmany, Seth, and Azee made sure that I was true to my word.On the way we met Mohamed Rias Gani. I left it in their hands and well the pictures tell the story. First they gave me a Mohawk and Well then..................I handed my alice band in and I have my new look


Before................





After......................







THE BARBER SHOP


also we see how harmful BETS can be.It can take your izzet away
Killa in a MANC topSublimehttp://azaadvillefc.blogspot.com/

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Its 12:30 in the morning. I just had a shower, looking in the mirror and shaking my hair....Wearing my Italian Top and putting on my alice band for the last time till I go bald.

F#4ken hell. I am gutted....I cant describe this feeling, really. Ok I wont lie its not as bad as when Italy, Juve or Liverpool lose but its still a horrible feeling. You know that f#4ken depressing feeling.

But what makes it worst is the way the MANCS won. I mean one penalty away. F34k. Terry slips, and the MANCS are back in. I mean how sweet it would have been, especially when Penaltino missed. So near yet so far. Poor Roman, The owe must be even gutted. Fuck now what you gonna do . I must get ready for the Azurri Campaign and hope my heart does not break. Dont know if my heart can take it.

Im writing this post fresh of emotion, So you know what f#4k you MANCS, Im not gonna say Congrats now. MAYBE on Friday when Im a bit cooler. Or maybe later.

The atmosphere at Nescafe was brilliant. Great place to be on a European Night. Apart from a few ridiculous people that were performing outside to get in. The reason being is that there were Power Cuts 10 into the second half of extra time.

Can you believe that, They must have been Furious and livid. As a result a huge crowd arrived and Hey Come on now. How can so many people can you cram into the place. It was sad to see them trying to force their way in.

Inside though it was electric, A packed house. My panel was there and it included Myself, Faiyaz, Hazrat and their ladies, Killa, Shazo, ZK, and Mo Cassim.
Pictures and videos will be uploaded tonight.

The game I thought was a great game. Penaltino was causing problems earlier on and duely put UTD ahead. But taht Petr Chech Double Save was the best Ive seen and he kept the Blues in the game.What a save!

Lampard then calmly finished and the Mancs jaws dropped. Great time to score. The rest of the game was strategy. But when Chelsea hit the post twice You somehow know that its not gonna be your day.

Also a great Terry Save in extra time. I said to the lads wenver it was stoppage time. I said this is when the bastards are at their most dangerous. The Ghosts of Munich descend around that time.

The penalties, Well Im not gonna go through it.........One Penalty away and JT scuffs the fth. I feel his pain, I feel his gloom. As a Footballer I know his emotion. One Penalty away from the Greatest Ever European Competition Ever. When we came out of Nescafe we met Oz and Mamoo. Mamoo couldnt speak, The MANCS were hooting. Flip it. It was not my place to celebrate.

I dont care if I get pasted, F#4k the MANCS and Alis.I am really sore and hurting.
Il say my Congrats on Friday. F#4k it. Paste me if you want.

As for my HAIR TODAY GONE TOMOROW....I will have it shaved Tomorow or Friday. Hazrat and the lads want it to be you tubed. My word is my Honour. Call it and I shall shave it. F#4K SO CLOSE, and it took me 6 months to be where it is. I was gonna freakin braid it soon.

But for now Im signing off

Swoosh0018.com
Naseem Mayet
REPORTING lIVE AFTER NESCAFE FORDSBURG

A special Thank you to Husien and his staff from Nescafe Fordsburg for the wonderful Service througout the European Campaign and for being Swoosh0018's Official Venue.
It was sublime, the Food and Beverages were class. Enoy These videos...Brought to you by Nescafe Fordsburg....The Official Venue for Swoosh0018.com



exclusive live footage from Nescafe, and an exclusive Interview with Nani before he went on...

As usual on a Big night all the sms's are blogged. Its tradition
"One MAN UTD..........One Champion, One more Cup...Glory Glory Man Utd"-Pops

"Fuck"-Moosa. This on the Mancs winning

"Our Musalman brother did it for us"-Herbly

"Champione, Champione ole ole ole!! Glory Glory Man Utd!!Chapions Champions"-Waseem Khan

"Now everyone say it together--Glory Glory man Utd! Glory Glory Man Utd"

"Ya da p#4e3 dont have anything to say"-Sal

Dude are you gonna be bald when I see you on Friday"-Anisa

"I will be expecting to see your shiny new head very soonok!!-YV

"Be a man and shave your hair off! We are the Champions.United forever! We painting the town red tonight.Double Trouble. Give them the due they deservemore then any other team"-Tahir Laudium

"Witness the Beginning of total dominationof Europe for may years to come"-Joe Dindar

"Alex is a legend.That is Sir Alex not that other morphy.What? No SMS. Is it hurting that much. The more you try and bring us to the ground the more we will rise"- Herbly

"Poor Chelsea! What a TERRY-BLE LOSS! Glory Glory Man Utd"- Faizel Wholesale

"HaHaHa dat number 1 is luking fresh"-Sal

The Aftermath at nescafe Fordsburg



THIS IS A MUST SEE, THE ATMOSPHERE IN NESCAFE DURING THe PENALTY SHOOT-OUT


LIVE WITH NANI-BEFORE HE WENT ON

ANOUNCEMENT

TICKETS FOR THE MANC TOUR JULY 2008

Manchester United may have successfully defended their league title, but inaugural Vodacom Challenge champions Orlando Pirates and four-time winners Kaizer Chiefs are expected to field a host of new signings to put the English visitors to the test in a bid to keep the coveted Vodacom Challenge title on Rainbow Nation soil in July.

http://www.computicket.co.za/

ANOUNCEMENT

IF THE MANCS WIN TOMOROW


I WILL SHAVE ALL MY HAIR OFF. I WILL TAKE A NUMBER 1......
it took me six months to grow this grizzly mop, hectic hairstyle, sometimes nice wen its gelled hair style. It will be sad to see it go

THATS IF THE MANCS WIN.........................IF

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW

We are but a day away from perhaps the greatest ever night in European Football. To win this great championship is the benchmark for any great team. Its when you have to give everything you got, the guts, the intestinal fortitude, You have to die out there. This is it, Liverpool are gone but both Chelsea and Man Utd will want this more than anything. Especially THE MANCS. This is what Sir Alex wants. The final swansong to his glittering career Its about being crowned champions



To me though I think the nite will be settled by Individuals. I have nominated the following from the MANCS. First up is Obviously Christiano Ronaldo. Now Penaltino has not yet come big against the best.This is the time to stamp his authority on the game and claim his place. His first time to win a major tournament. Undoubtedly the lity has had a belter of a season. He has pace , skill and is complete.Will this be his night. He certainly will have everything to prove on the worlds biggest stage. Then again he could be lining up in the race with Drogba on being the best Diver

In any competition..U gotta be defensively Sound. Il be the first to admit I was wrong about Vidic but with Chelsea in all likelyhood lining up a 4-5-1 formation The Vidic, Drogba battle could be key. A sound performance from the Man Utd Rearguard could be key.

The Mancs also have players that can change a game with one moment of brilliance. Sometimes its that moment that can win a Cup Final.Giggs,Scholes, Tevez, Rooney. The Mancs are not shy in the flair department



For Chelsea though my feeling tells me that Ballack is gonna come big tomorow night. He has been in scintilating form in Europe. Wednesday night is gonna be his night, Ballack is hungry for success. And this is the man that could break the Ali's hearts Wednesday Night. Whats more is Ballack has the pedigree of taking ownership of the night



On a night like that You need a man with total Heart. And Chelsea have that in JT. Terry is a rock. Many dont rate him but I do. Total committment. And He could make Penaltino Cry. JT IS ALL

HEART.AND ALL HEART IS WHAT YOU NEED.

Last but not least there is the Drog. A complete striker and an even bigger Diver. But his threat cannot go unoticed and Im sure the Mancs are ware of his power and danger. If the Drog clicks, Chelsea have the edge. And with a midfield backing of Lampard, Joe Cole,Essien and Ballack, the blues have the firepower



Sir Bobby Hopeful Of 'Sensational' Final
Manchester United legend has given his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson and the showpiece that is the upcoming Champions League final...

United square off against Chelsea in Moscow for what should be a highly absorbing encounter. However, many predict it will be tight, tactical and not the best entertainment.Sir Bobby begs to differ: "There will be goals. Each side has a healthy respect for each other and will know that if they make a mistake or have a lapse of concentration that it will disastrous. Both teams will be going for it. It should be sensational."It will be Chelsea's first ever final in their history, but it's the Blues' players who, between them, have more experience of having played in previous finals.Notably, it is the first final for United's Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international has built on his outstanding season last year and bordered on superhuman this campaign, having broken the 40-goal barrier and poised to make a clean sweep of all the annual individual honours.That said, he still has several detractors, who criticise his lack of big game mentality or proficiency. Charlton declared that should he get a goal that aids a win in Moscow, he will go down as one of the greatest players of all time."If Ronaldo scores in the Champions League final and we are able to win, I think he'll be hailed as one of the best footballers we've ever seen," said Sir Bobby."He has a vision and a drive. He knows he's a good player. Maybe he thinks he's the best playerand maybe he is. It will be interesting to see how Chelsea try to hold him."If it's Ronaldo's first, it is second time around for Sir Alex, who masterminded the 1999 treble, in which the Champions League win was the crown jewel. The Scotsman has overseen era after era at Old Trafford with admirable enthusiasm and minimal dips in form and honours. He is fast cementing himself as one of, if not the greatest manager of all time."He's just as smart and as sharp as he's ever been as a football manager," said Charlton of Sir Alex."For him it's always the new challenger. New money coming in - Russian money to Chelsea, Thai money, American money. They're investing in our game here and it's changing all the time, but he's ready for them."Should it prove to be Sir Alex's second, it will be United's third. The first came in 1968 - 10 years after the Munich air disaster - an aeroplane crash that killed a generation of players many believe could have challenged for top honours in Europe themselves.Charlton added: "There is a bit of emotion for Manchester United actually being in the Champions League final on the 50th anniversary when these players died going into Europe, because it was those players pioneering the actual competition that got things going.

"Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com
Below I have included some of the videos that couls set the tone of what can be expected in terms of atmosphere





Man Utd Song TAKE ME HOME




GLORY GLORY MAN UTD




This song dedicated to the MANCS.A GREAT VIDEO.ENJOY IT U MUGGS




chelsea songs




SUPER 14 UPDATE
By ZK

pictures: courtesy of Marianne

I caught the Lions Stormers match live and I have to say I was despretaly screaming for the Lions to win or hold the Stormers only to a 4 point win. I wanted my Sharks to go through and damn did the Lions come to the party. Sadly in yet another game in which they played outstanding rugby they were on the loosing side. Two tries in the second half gave the Stormers their win but take nothing away from the Lions. Seth says it doesn't matter they still lost but the thing is they could have won and comfortably as well. They Held the Stormers for most of the match and shire brilliance by the Lion flanks and a sturdy defence from their forwards ensured that they lost marginally. All I can say is in the Currie Cup I sure would be scared of them. The Lions are managing to come together as strong team leading up to the domestic competition. Even with four points in the bag I'm sure the Stormers dressing room was pure raw nerves till the final of the match between the Sharks and Chiefs which was played later.
Lions 13 – 22 Stormers

The Bulls mmmm won. Yes finally they resoundingly beat the Cheetahs. Killa must sure have been a happy chappy hearing his team won. Their fourth win at the end of the Super 14 tournament must make them another happy team going into the Currie Cup. Amazingly the Bulls were 10-3 down after 20 minutes after the Cheetahs scored the first two tries of the match, both by centre JW Jonker, before running riot to take the lead by half time (18-17) and then adding 42 more points in the second half. The Bulls displayed pace and plenty of guile in the backs -- making their early-season blundering all the more unaccountable. Wings Akona Ndungane and Bryan Habana each got two tries as the ball flashed wide and for the first time this season the Bulls resembled the team who charged to the title so impressively last year. However it came too late and the Bulls ended the season in tenth place -- having outscored the Stormers and Sharks in terms of tries.

Cheetahs 20 – 60 Bulls
Anyone who saw me watching the Sharks match would have told you I had completely lost it by the time they had to play. I was having such blonde moment and could not work out by how much they needed to win if they didn't walk away with five points in the bag after watching the Stormers win. I kept screaming at the screen hoping the referee would hear me as I picked up Chiefs infringements on Shark players. (I think I completely lost it as I was seeing things that were not there!!!!)
The Sharks sounded a loud warning to the other teams still in contention as they powered into the Vodacom Super 14 semifinals with an impressive 47-25 win over the Chiefs. We attacked better and made use of every opportunity to get more points on the board. Once the momentum was going there was no looking back. A friend made a comment that "they must have made the Chiefs off"… I highly doubt it. The way the forward piled on the pressure and the wings came to the action was a new Shark side that is hungry for the win. Waratahs we face in the semis and though they may have beaten us a few weeks earlier, this new look team a hungry for some flesh…Waratah Flesh!!!
Sharks 47 – 25 Chiefs


Reds 11 – 18 Waratahs

Crusaders lost but theory is they resting all their big guns for the semi… I pity their opponents. (The Hurricanes)
Crusaders 14 – 26 Highlanders

Force29 – 22 Brumbies
Blues 19 – 17 Hurricanes

1.Crusaders 52
2.Waratahs 43
3. The Sharks 42
4.Hurricanes 41
5.Vodacom Stormers 41
6.Blues 40
7.Chiefs 34
8.Western Force 33
9. Brumbies 30
10. Vodacom Bulls 28
11. Highlanders 19
12. Reds 18
13. Vodacom Cheetahs 13
14. Auto & General Lions 12

On a different note…
The Bok side has been chosen but don't forget that's in only a training a squad and the real test comes when the final 22 need to be chosen.

Its good to see more players of colour as well as the hardened older players. Lets see what De Villiers will bring now to the game…

Q: What's your take on the squad chosen so far?


BUNDESLIGA UPDATE
By The Killa

LEAGUE TABLE
1. Bayern Munich 76
2. Werder Bremen66
3. Schalke 04 64
4.Hamburg 54
5. Wolfsburg 54

Top Goalscorers
1.Luca Toni Bayern Munich 24
2.Mario Gomez VfB Stuttgart 19
3.Kevin Kuranyi Schalke 04 15
4. Markus Rosenberg Werder Bremen 14
Ivica Olic Hamburg SV 14
6.Diego Werder Bremen 13
Marko Pantelic Hertha Berlin 13
Mladen Petric Borussia Dortmund 13
Stanislav Sestak VfL Bochum 13
10. Rafael Van der Vaart Hamburg SV 12


DISCIPLINE

1 Mihai Tararache MSV Duisburg 13 yellow, 1 red 15 points
2. Stanislav Angelov Energie Cottbus11 0 11
Tomasz Zdebel VfL Bochum 11 0 11

SPANISH LA LIGA UPDATE

BY IRFAAN ADAM

Barca and Valencia end off on a high

What a performance!!! Gio Dos Santos proved why he is one of the worlds highly rated youngsters on Saturday night. He helped himself to a hat rick against the already relegated Murcia. Frank Rijkaard's side brought the curtain down on a disappointing season with a display inspired by their Mexican lytie.Barca actually fell behind, as Juan Ochoa headed the hosts into a 16thminute lead.However, the tie was turned on its head during a nine-minute spell in which the Catalan giants scored three goals. Henry and Eto’o also getting onto the scoresheet, as they wrapped up a 5-3 win.

It was disappointing to see a team like Zaragoza getting relegated. All they needed was to avoid defeat at Mallorca and they were safe. But they met up with Daniel Guiza and company.Guiza gave the hosts an early lead but Milan’s flop Ricardo Oliveracancelled it out. a glancing header from Pierre Webo and last-gaspclose-range effort from Gonzalo Castro clinched the win for Mallorca.Oliveira then side-footed home a second for the visitors deep into injurytime although there was no fairytale ending and Zaragoza find themselves in the second division.Champions Real Madrid's season has ended on a high note following a 5-2 win over Levante at Santiago Bernabeu. A brace each by Ruud Van Nistelrooyand Sergio Ramos and a stunning free kick by Wesley Sneijder, getting the 3 points.Second-placed Villarreal ended their impressive campaign on the winning note courtesy of a 2-0 success at Deportivo La Coruna.Valencia's shit season has ended on a high note following a 3-1 successover Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla.David Villa might have scored his last 2 goals for the club. Sergio Agueroscoring his 19th goal of the season for Atletico.Valencia, who only avoided relegation last weekend, finished with 51points and will play in next season's Uefa Cup after winning the Copa delRey title.
Transfer Rumours
Barcelona are reportedly tracking Arsenal trio Robin van Persie, TheoWalcott and Alexander Hleb.Tottenham remain favourites to sign Samuel Eto'o after bidding £24m forthe Barcelona striker - £8m more than AC and Inter Milan.Barcelona have also agreed a £6m fee with Manchester United for21-year-old defender Gerard Pique.

Everton want to bid £11m for Valencia winger Joaquin.Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reassured fans he is not planning to join Real Madrid.Manchester United target Daniel Alves has hinted he could leave Sevilla.

BEEN THERE DONE THAT

-Mo Cassim met up with Akona Ndongane from the Bulls and Boks, Chillyboy & Benni McCarthy

BEST OF THE BEST EURO 2008

EURO 2008 FANATSY FOOTBALL

BEST OF THE BEST

http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com

COMING SOON

SAME OLD SAME OLD RULES

ENTRY FREE
HOPEFULLY WE GET A WINNERS TROPHY SPONSORED

WHO WILL WIN THE EUROS