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HASH ENDS A GREAT WEEKEND

Well Done Hash on a superb century

SA WIN THE ODI SERIES, A great week for all in footie..We bisy with a whole new interactive site..In the process of construction

NEHRA DRAWS INDIA NEARER

The question that was ringing in Fordsburg as SA scored 220 on a slow Newlands pitch. Was it enough? It looked like it was enough. I realy thought that the inclusion of FAF and Imran Tahir would be the right call. FAF was in but there was no Tahir. Outside Banjos shop a few timers voiced their dissapointment on Tahirs exclusion. Now the question on many lips is Will Tahir make the World Cup squad. SA did well after a disappointing start with debutant FAF Du Plessis doing well and scoring a 50. JP complimented him well and on a Newlands wicket that seemed to favour the side batting first SA looked ok. After Singhs figures it again proved that Tahir would be lethal as a strike bowler when India batted second.

FAF on debut did well under pressure

India struggled at first and as I headed to the gym and got on the Bicycle I seen Yusuf Phatan enter and that man can be destructive as he slayed Botha for 3 massive sixes. Raina and Pathan changed the game. Then Baajie weilded the willow with two important sixes and India did what we couldnt do. Negra cleared the ring in the end. So where did we go wrong. We were lax in the field again and as the squad gets picked tonight who should go ad who should stay? This was the first time ever that Smith lost a ODI International at Newlands as India go 2-1 up in the series

HEARTBREAK AT THE BULLRING

Anzo and Fayaaz display our banner which read "HASH MAKE THEIR TASHKEEL"

The Bullring as always was amazing. Myself,Anees,Zahed and Faiyaz made our way and ofcourse we wanted to see Hash get off to a flyer. Their was alot of speculation regarding the weather and as South Africa bowled well we had no idea of the drama that was going to unfold at the Wanderers. Again their was no Imran Tahir and Faf Du Plessis.SA were unchanged,bowled well and restricted India to a reasonable total.

(A few of the Plazas toppies above).As the game went On We mingled with the crowd as usual ,Had fun with the Fans and we joked with the India Fans that we would wrap up the game after 30 overs. As the evening drew near the feeling stadium was electric. Uncle Dyna from the Plaza Toppies kept us going as we mingled with the Fans.

SA closed the India Innings and we all awaited the entrance of Hash

After a sleek Hash boundary he departed early and many of the Hash fans said "AWE MAJA IS OVER NOW" The fun is over but I felt Smith wasin for a big knock and thats just what he did. SA were looking comfortable and then wickets started to tumble. Steyn was run out, Morkel hit out and then it was nerves.Could we do it. People started mentioning Chokers again but I mena there was so many overs. We just had to see it out.We couldnt lose. Tsotsobe survived and we just needed 2 runs.2 runs of alot of balls. The atmosphere was electric. A typical night at the BULL RING

It was sown to Parnel and Tsotsobe. What should we do. Play it out and wait for it. Suddenly Parnel gets caught and its over. We needed only two runs. So many permutations. What,If How,Why...?

All I ca say is ,ARE WER CHOKERS AS MANY FANSARE CLAIMING. ?What are your thoughts?

In Footie there were no upsets but some big games.
As King Kenny made and emotional return to Anfield swamped by banners and chants Liverpool again failed to hold on to their lead. I call it woefull defending.
Guys like Steve Nicol,Mark Lawrenson,The Kennedy brews and Alan Hansen must be crying.
Everton took a 2-1 league and lucky we got a penalty and Kenny got his first point. We just have to labour on.

Vidic was colossal as 10 man Manchester United held of Spursat White Heart Lane. Peter Crouch had  a glorious opportunity early on. Vidic though contained the Spurs attackers and I think Rednapp should have brought Defoe and Pavlechenko on 60 minutes. 0-0 it finished and the MANCS march on. There were also good wins for Chelsea and Arsenal. In LA LIGA Barcelona were rampant again as Madrid drew. Ronaldo hit the cross bar but it was not enough as MADRID slipped up. In Serie A Alex Del piero scored a trademark free kick as JUVE got back to winning ways against BARI. Inter are reformed under Leonardo and AC MIlan drew at Lecce.

The AUSTRAILIAN OPEN Tennis Grand Slam also Started today with Federer and a host of big names all going through

SA KICK OFF ODI SERIES WITH A VICTORY

KINGSMEAD has often been a graveyard for South Africa. I was at Just Samoosas when we seen the start. Ay the Okes were irate that Imran Tahir wasnt playing. "The Rain they said "The Rain"
Even though SA bowled two spinners JP was selected as a batsman and he did the Job. A good move for South Africa to bat first. Smith flopped again and Amla reached his fifty in brisk style. The One Day outfit looks good.

Im not one complaining about Tahirs exclusion but with the World Cup Being in the Sub Continent He must feature in this series and be given a chance to prove himself.

So its 1-0 to SA and we off to the Wanderers with the Lads. Gonna be a cracker

Amla scoreda brisk 50 with classy drives. Lets hope he can score bigger in Johannesburg

With Kallis set to return for the World Cup SA have a good aquad heading into the tournament. It willl be interesting to see who makes the Final Squad

KING KENNY STARTS BADLY

Dalglish in a spin as Campbell completes comeback

PA Photos

DJ Campbell puts Blackpool 2-1 in front against Liverpool

The manager and the year may have changed but Liverpool's problems away from home continued as Kenny Dalglish's first Premier League match since returning as boss ended in a 2-1 defeat at Blackpool.

• Dalglish not disheartened
Liverpool's troubles on the road contributed to the departure of Roy Hodgson last weekend but the Seasiders showed October's win by the same score at Anfield was no fluke.
Fernando Torres had given Dalglish the ideal start with a third-minute strike but goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher and DJ Campbell extended Liverpool's miserable away league record to just two victories in almost 13 months.
It was not the start the 59-year-old Scot was expecting on his return to the top flight after more than 12 years away.
Dalglish said when he took over at the weekend he did not think the game had altered much. However, when he was last in charge of Liverpool almost 20 years ago, Blackpool were in the old Fourth Division and the times are changing as Blackpool secured their first league double over Liverpool since 1947.
It had all begun so well for the visitors, looking to bounce back from Sunday's FA Cup exit at Manchester United.
After that game Dalglish had promised to get Torres back to his best after a laboured season and he was true to his word as the Spaniard struck in double-quick time from the kick-off.
And the goal came from another of the manager's tactical decisions, which saw the returning Glen Johnson, whose partner gave birth to a boy last night, lined up in an unfamiliar left-back position after Martin Kelly's impressive display against United. Dalglish was rewarded for keeping faith with youngster Kelly as he set up the opening goal.
When Dirk Kuyt span the ball out to the defender he advanced over the halfway line before rolling a pass into the inside-right channel. Torres did not need a second invitation, racing into the area and even from a tight angle he was able to fire a ferocious shot past Richard Kingson and into the roof of the net. It was only the Spain international's second goal in his last nine matches and just his seventh of the season.
The visitors' joy lasted only until the 12th minute, however, as when Raul Meireles carelessly gave the ball away to David Vaughan in midfield he played in Taylor-Fletcher to exact the ultimate punishment by running through the defence to roll a shot under Jose Reina.
All the players then ran to the touchline to hold up a T-shirt with the words '4 Butch you Bluenose RIP' - a reference to Macclesfield player Richard Butcher who died suddenly this week.
Blackpool had the better chances in the remainder of the half, with Campbell heading wide from five yards and Taylor-Fletcher almost catching out Reina with a lob from the right wing after the goalkeeper duffed his kick.
The home side stepped up the pressure after the break with Charlie Adam's left-footed drive beaten away by Reina, who then tipped over Vaughan's shot.
Liverpool almost produced an eye-catching response when Milan Jovanovic's left-wing cross to the far post saw Torres volley well over, with the Spaniard also forcing a low save from Kingson this time from the left of the area.
Meireles then cut in from the right to hit a left-footed shot wide while Kuyt's low effort forced Kingson to save at the expense of a corner.
With 21 minutes remaining the Seasiders struck the killer blow when Ian Evatt beat Martin Skrtel to Eardley's deep cross and Campbell headed home.
Meireles' header from Torres' cross at the other end was not as accurate and dropped just over the crossbar.
Liverpool could have had a penalty in the 79th minute when the ball hit Craig Cathcart's arm, which was raised well above his head, but referee Michael Oliver blew for a foul by Torres.
The Reds have now lost 10 of their 21 league matches and eight out of 11 on the road.
If Dalglish wants the job on a permanent basis he will have to find a way of eliminating results such as this.
www.soccernet.com

MESSI WINS BALLON D' OR

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Argentina has won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the best player of 2010.

This sees the Argentine retain the award for the footballer of the year: last year he was the undisputed winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d'Or prize, which have this year merged into one single title.

Messi thus becomes one of a rare few to win the award twice in a row, beating club teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta, both of Spain, in the process. He obtained 22.65 per cent of the votes, overcoming Iniesta's 17.36 per cent and Xavi's 16.48 per cent.FIFA's voting panel judged Messi to be the best due to his astounding club form. In La Liga, Messi has spent the last twelve months scoring a goal a game. In those matches that he didn't score he often turned provider: in the 5-0 rout of Real Madrid, Messi set up two of the strikes for his teammates.

A disappointing World Cup for Argentina could have hampered Messi's chances - in World Cup years, it is often players from the winning team that win the Ballon d'Or. This year seems to be an exception to the rule.

Xavi, meanwhile, missed out despite a year in which he provided the most assists of all, and had a passing rate the likes of which is seldom seen. Andres Iniesta, another key assister who also scored the winning goal in the World Cup final, perhaps failed to win due to missing much of the year with injury.

Second In A RowBarcelona failed to win the Champions League in 2009-10, but this did not cost Messi due to his tremendous individual showings throughout the tournament.

He was the top scorer in Europe's premier club competition despite not reaching the final, with four of his eight tournament goals coming in one glorious performance against Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

His prowess in front of goal was no less in La Liga. En route to winning the La Liga Player of the Year award for the second time in a row, Messi became his club's and in fact the whole league's top goalscorer, netting 34 goals in 35 appearances. This also brought him the European Golden Shoe award for top continental striker.


Needless to say, he was also named Argentine Footballer of the Year for the fifth time in six years.

Against The Grain?Not everyone agreed with FIFA's decision that Messi should win. In a Goal.com poll run in the days leading up to the announcement, a majority tipped Xavi to win the award, with the Argentine in second and Iniesta a distant third.



Messi himself said in the lead-up to the award that he would be delighted no matter who won and that his two teammates deserve it, but in the end he left with the prize yet again.

Other Awards

As well as the men's Ballon d'Or there were other prizes given out in Zurich on Monday:

• FIFPro/FIFA World XI: Casillas; Maicon, Pique, Lucio, Puyol; Sneijder, Xavi, Iniesta; C. Ronaldo, Villa, Messi.
• Men's Coach of the Year: Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid / Inter)
• Women's Player of the Year: Marta (Santos - Brazil)
• Women's Coach of the Year: Silvia Neid (Germany)
• FIFA Puskas Award for Best Goal: Hamit Altintop (for Turkey versus Kazakhstan)

By Ewan Macdonald
http://www.goal.com/

Lionel MESSI Club: FC Barcelona Country: Argentina Position: Forward Date of Birth: 24 June 1987 (age 23) Defining moment of 2010: Scoring all four as the Blaugrana battered Arsenal 4-1 on April 6

Best Yet Again

ALWAYS IN A WEBB

WHAT HOWARD WEBB WAS SEEN WEARING IN THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE GAME

Apparently referee Howard Webb was seen spraying on the Official Man utd Fragrance in the locker room. How fitting for a man to wear a perfume endorsed by many MANCS like Rooney and company. I had to check our this fragrance at Rio Perfumes in the Plaza. Not Bad but of course Id never wear it. Webb did however. It makes sense after he awarded the Diving Berbatov a penalty which Giggs duly converted. Then he sent Gerard Off.
Fine we know that King Kenny just took over and no miracles were expected. But Liverpool bowed out of the FA Cup against the MANCS.
For MANC Fans the perfume is available at Rio Perfumes. See banner on the side of blog for details.

The Official Man Utd Fragrance

Howard Webb is a MANC Deep Down

The game itself was nothing to shout about. We all know Liverpools form and obviously understand our plight as Liverpool supporters. But to See King Kenny back at the helm is indeed a relief. Roy Hodgeson was putrid and will forever be remembered in the same category as Greame Souness. The MEN That f#4ked Liverpool UP. To see Kenny Dalglish there is indeed an assurance and feel good factor. It will take some time. This enhanced by the fact that he immediately reinstated Aurellio in place of Konchesky and placed Babbel on the wing. We like that thinking. Kenny Dalglish has a rescue effort on hand. We obviously cant expect Silverware but the SOS Message is RESCUE and I firmly believe he is the MAN for the job

A fantastic sight. King Kenny Returns

Other than that it was FA CUP Weekend. Arsenal were saved at Leeds at the death thanks to a Fabregas penalty. Chelsea scored 7. Man City and Leicester City drew. A few of premiership sides were dumped out with the biggest casualties being Newcastle who lost 3-1 at lowly Stevenage. A big blow for the resurgent MAGPIES

In LA LIGA Both Madrid and Barcelona were emphatic as they convincingly beat their opponents. Villa scored twice and Penaltinho grabbed a hat trick against the Yellow Submarine. Penaltinho loves it in Spain.We can see why

Penaltinho loves it in Spain

In Serie A Juve succumbed to their second defeat in a row after they were thumped 3-0 by Napoli. Cambiasso scored twice as Inter beat Catania 2-1 and Milan and Udinese finished a cracker 4-4.....with Cassano making headlines

Cricket was one of the big talking points. After SA and India drew the Test Series it was time for the PRO 20 and the massive concert with Sharukh khan and company at the Moses Mabida stadium Although SA lost I quite enjoyed the banter by SK and the SA PLAYERS. I cant even speak Gujrati like AB De Villiers.It was really entertaining and good to see the South African Lads having some fun. Duminy had  few sledges for the controversial Sreesanth. The first being "Jou ma se..... and the second Voetsek"
By the way what are your thoughts on Sreesanth
Does the game of cricket need such characters or was the Indian Over the Top?

It was also time to say goodbye to Makhaya Ntini. The first black player to play for South Africa we thank Ntini for 12 wonderful years. He did us proud. I met Ntini a few times with Hash and he was a loud funny character. Off the pitch he brought lots to the game. Thank You Makhaya

Goodbye Ntini

On a serious note the World Cup is a month away and finally Imran Tahir is eligible to play. Its great for South Africa and finally now we have a spinner. I just hope he has a good series. This is the time to shine. Will SA Choke or can we finally win a big tournament. Here is the preliminary squad chosen for the World Cup

Imran Tahir chosen to represent SA against India

Preliminary squad: Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras), Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Jacques Kallis (Warriors), AB de Villiers (Titans), Alviro Petersen (Highveld Lions), Loots Bosman (Dolphins), Jacques Rudolph (Titans), Morne van Wyk (Knights), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), David Miller (Dolphins), Colin Ingram (Warriors), Albie Morkel (Titans), Robin Peterson (Cape Cobras), Mark Boucher (Warriors), Thami Tsolekile (Highveld Lions), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Dean Elgar (Knights), Heino Kuhn (Titans), Morne Morkel (Titans), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Warriors), Johan Botha (Warriors), Ryan McLaren (Knights), Charl Langeveldt (Cape Cobras), Rusty Theron (Warriors), Ethy Mbhalati (Titans), Roelof van der Merwe (Titans), Johannes van der Wath (Knights), Imran Tahir (Dolphins).

What are your thoughts?

WHO WILL WIN THE WAR

Monday we back to full swing and Im still enjoying my holiday.
The MANCS are not playing their best football but lead the premiership. Liverpool are horrible.
But this weekend its about pride and izzet again and it doesnt get any bigger than a mouthwatering FA CUP tie.
What are your predictions?

NAGELIQUE SMITH

This weeks Babe of the week is the stunning Nagelique Smith from Pretoria. To see PIM exclusive one on one with Nagelique Click Here

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE.

Wishing you a prosperous NEW YEAR. We go back in time to Cape Town Docksides New Years Eve 2000. This brings back memmories.
Dedicated to all the Marines who fought in that war.
Stay Safe see you in 2011

IS IT TIME TO GO

Its time to go Roy

After last nights loss to Wolves it is eveident that Roy must go. Bring in Rijkaard. Torres looked like he didnt want to be on the park. I mean Wolves. Chelsea won finally and ARSENAL drew. Wenger surprisingly leaving 8 players out.
I leave you with a fantastic quote that sums up the EPL

"The EPL is so unpredictable at the moment its like going to an Alipor wedding and finding Memon guys by the Degs."-Moosa Areff

But for now Roy Hodgeson must not go...He must f#4k off

But there are a number of other contenders, with Frank Rijkaard the current favourite at 3/1. Didier Deschamps is next at 4/1, while the other leading contenders in the eyes of the bookies read as follows:
Rafael Benitez 5/1
Martin O'Neill 7/1
Guus Hiddink 8/1
Kenny Dalglish 12/1
Manuel Pelligrini 14/1

England retain the Ashes with innings win

Author: shyam thapa

England have retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years, after inflicting one of Australia's heaviest losses, with a margin of an innings and 157 runs on the fourth morning at the MCG. It took less than 90 minutes for England to collect the three wickets they needed for victory, and when Tim Bresnan picked up his fourth wicket, an edge behind from Ben Hilfenhaus, the celebrations began.Bresnan finished with 4 for 50 and was mobbed by his team-mates when the final wicket fell, and the big collection of England fans at the MCG burst into full voice. It was a wonderful moment for England, who will now aim to turn their 2-1 lead into a series victory at the SCG next week, but as the holders of the Ashes before the tour they have done enough to retain the urn.For the first time in history, Australia have lost two Tests in a home series by an innings, and the margin was their worst defeat in Australia in 98 years, and their eighth-worst of all time. There was some fight from Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle, who put together an 86-run partnership after the early loss of Mitchell Johnson, but it was only ever a matter of time for England.During the Haddin-Siddle stand, both men cleared the boundary off Graeme Swann, providing something to cheer for the Australian fans who had turned up despite the certain result. Haddin's half-century came in 86 balls and Siddle posted his highest Test score, before the end came in a rush with Siddle and Hilfenhaus falling in quick succession, and the injured Ryan Harris unable to bat.Johnson was bowled by Chris Tremlett in the second over of the day for 6 and it seemed like the morning's play would be over in a rush, before Haddin and Siddle came together. It took a while for the next wicket, Siddle (40) caught on the boundary straight down the ground when he slogged Swann, and England knew their goal was almost achieved.Now, the questions turn to Sydney and what each team can achieve with the Ashes already decided. For England, the goal is obvious - win or draw and ensure they take the Ashes outright, rather than simply retaining them.For Australia, the series can still be drawn, but they must decide whether to make changes, including whether to risk Ricky Ponting with his broken finger. Ponting had x-rays during the morning, and when he spoke straight after the defeat he didn't know the results, but was still hopeful of playing at the SCG."I've got a point to prove to myself and the team, with my performances in the past four Tests," Ponting said. "I will be doing everything I can to be ready for Sydney. I still think I've got a lot to offer the Australian cricket team."It's pretty hard to accept," Ponting said of the loss. "We haven't deserved it, that's the bottom line, haven't played well enough. It was tough, but wasn't a 98 all out wicket. They showed us how to bat. We can still level the series, which has got to be the motivation for us. Get to Sydney and salvage some pride. We've let ourselves down and our supporters down.After the past 18 months were all geared towards regaining the Ashes, Australia's future must involve some changes. Andrew Strauss and his England team can celebrate a much-deserved triumph
.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cricket-articles/england-retain-the-ashes-with-innings-win-3935328.html
About the Author

To get the latest punjabi news newspapers are really a perfected format after all. Granted, they're not in real time, but they are very portable, they're easy on the eyes, they don't have batteries that need to be charged or replaced, they don't depend on signal strength, and the list just goes on and on. newspapers can be read from a number of online sources including punjabi newspaper such as jagbani.com..

South Africa aslo lost the second test in Durban. Durban always seems to be a graveyard for South Africa. SA just couldnt chase a perfectly reachable target at Kingsmead. So now its more exciting for the third and final test in Cape Town. Its gonna be a cracker.

Kingsmead Sahara Park. The Graveyard for South Africa

So is it time to go for Roy Hodgeson and Ricky Ponting.?

GAMEWEEK 19 AND DEBZ CUP SEMI FINAL

1. raffique2010 RAFFIQUE MAYET              vs  HUFC Hoosain Mayet
2. Red Heaven Muhammed Carim                    vs =====<() FC Cas Ebrahim
7. CHIKARITO STARS rashid ahmed bismilla  vs Green Mambas Isaac Moche
3. NosaCostra nadia kaloo                                vs  accuracy boyz on 'D' Nurge

1. raffique2010 RAFFIQUE MAYET    72                V Red Heaven Muhammed Carim 30
3. Green Mambas Isaac Moche      74                         vs  accuracy boyz on 'D' Nurge 59

FINAL*To be played on Gameweek 20
RAFFIQUE MAYET (The Toppie)     vs ISAAC MOCHE

1 HUFC Hoosain Mayet 0 985
2 accuracy boyz on 'D' Nurge Fajandar 0 977
3 Who sold the 6ix ? naeem vallee 0 965
4 =====<() FC Cas Ebrahim 0 935
5 *Porn Stars* Azhar Mohamed Moola 0 934
6 Aktharz FC zaheer mayet 0 931
7 TheCHAMPisSTILLhere! Sufyaan Sarang 0 930
8 Liverpool Sir Ish Loonat 0 929
9 raffique2010 RAFFIQUE MAYET 0 910
10 Roys Rovers Mohammed Naeem Loonat 0 900

MERRY XMAS

Swoosh0018 would like to wish all our readers that are celebrating a MERRY XMAS. Have a great festive season.
Also The DEBONAIRS LENZ CBD LEAGUE CUP in our Fantasy League will have the semi finals played this GAMEWEEK due to the Snow. Happy Holidays Everyone.

THE DAY I MET HASHIM AMLA

South Africa beat India in the First Test in Centurion Park. All thanks to devastating bowling from Morne Morkel in the first innings and superb centuries by Hash ,AB and a double ton by Kallis.

I met Hash on the eve before he was due to bat. For my readers Hash is looking Top Class. Man looks physically strong and as always mentally in tune. We chatted for a bit.I said "Century Hash" and  a century he got. I took a two year old kid to meet Hash.This youngster is a friends son and a aspiring Hashim Amla fan.Believe it or not this two year old imitates Hash and he just wanted to meet Hashim Amla.

So I called Hash and set it up. The kid was thrilled. He just sat in Hash's lap and said "Hashim Amla, Hashim Amla" all the time. Hash true to his word made it special for the little lad and gave so much of his time

Its amazing you know to see our youngsters and kids aspiring to be what Hashim Amla is. It just shows the stature and grace that he has brought to World Cricket. Not only is he an icon now for our youngsters but he is a great World Cricketer. And off the pitch he is a remarkable human being that leaves behind a legacy. He has this ambiance and presence about him. That visit to this little kid clearly shows to me what Hashim Amla has become from the day I met him four years ago.

I remember the day clearly. We were in Cape Town staying in the same hotel as the Proteas. I remember the excitement I had. I mean for me Swoosh,an avid Sports fan I respected the dedication and commitment that was needed to reach this high level. and here there was a muslim youngster that was playing Test Cricket for South Africa. He was facing the Worlds best and obviously in  a position that many of us dream to be. I had to meet him.

I remember seeing the team leave towards the Nets from the Hotel.I caught sight of Hash for the first time. He was a long distance away. I was like  a kid meeting his hero. In my excitement I scram to Ntini.I said "Makhaya Call Hash." Makhaya looked at me like I was mad. It was just the excitement.

I missed Hash as he strode away with the team. I immediately called my friend Yousuf Kadwa whos family knows Hash. I said Joey Im at the same hotel as Hash. I have to meet him .Hook it up.

Joey smsed me Hash's number and I sent a text message at about 2pm on New Years Day.

I thought to myself If I get a reply from Hash it would be a bonus. At about 5pm I received a sms saying "Salaams Naseem, Got back from practise .Will meet you in the Lobby at 7pm for tea."

I was excited....I mean, to me I was going to meet a man thats name rings out through every street,masjid and shop. I remember the old timers after Mosque talking about Hashim Amla and the shots that he played etc. I remember the nerves that I felt every time Hash goes to the wicket. I mean this was an icon in his own right. I heard lots of perceptions bout Hash and I was kitted in my usual shorts and Italy kit on holiday mode. When I went down I remember taking off my earring and putting on a tracksuit pants. It just felt right. I was 5 minutes away from meeting Hashim Amla.

Three of us went down and we waited at the Hotels coffee shop. Minutes later a well built lad strolled in....Totally relaxed wearing long shorts and sandals and obviously the distinct beard and a pair of specs. He approached us as I waved and sat down. It was as if we knew Hash for many years. I sat in awe as we chatted for a full hour and sipped on tea. I mean here was a man that has reached the pinnacle of his sport and yet he was the most humble human being ever. Weve never met him but yet he has given us the time of day and attention that we so craved. We chatted about cricket and the journey. I asked Hash so many questions and I kept on processing questions in my head as if to not say the wrong thing. But here was a south african sportsman's focused and so mentally strong and humble as ever. People that passed by took note of him as we sat,some waved,kids came over for a autograph.

I dunno hey,Hash just exudes this ambiance and peace about him. Im sure some of you have met him and can relate.....But there is indeed something special about Hashim Amla.From the moment you meet him. And this made me stress alot more. I mean now that I knew him I didnt want it to stop there.I wanted this friendship to continue.And more so I wanted to be around Hashim Amla from a cricketing and personal perspective. After an hour we said salaams and We said "Hash give  us  a century tomorrow". Hash responded and said "Insha allah.If God wills". He was under a bit of pressure as he needed a 100 after back to back failures.

And in my heart I wanted this remarkable man to score a great 100. For so many reasons,some political,some because of the hardship muslim and Indian sportsman endued in the past because of apartheid and lack of opportunity. That evening we chatted on sms  and with regards to the conversation we ended up at Newlands on a boiling hot day....



Hash batting at Newlands



And yes we watched Hashim Amla bat that day. And it was the first time I seen him live ever. Hash got a century and I there was an inner happiness that engulfed me that trip. I was just so happy for Hash. More so because I met him and felt this connection. As the years went on our friendship developed. We spend time during his tours and most of our fond memories would be the Newlands Tests and our evening Chaai sessions at Newlands Sun. I even watched Hash embraced by youngsters during a net session on New Years Day

I remember when Hash scored a 40 on a difficult Newlands wicket against England I think. Im not so sure. While we were having tea Graeme Pollock walked in and marched straight to Hash. He stretched out his hand and said "Son even though you scored 40 I have never seen anyone play with such a straight bat before.Well Done"

Years later Hashim has played some mesmerising innings. He is in great form and is a great World Cricketer.

Every time I meet him I still have the same feeling.And thats the feeling I have as the Day I met Hashim Amla.

And I may not have played sports at the highest level,but i certainly played it at a competitive level.I played soccer finals and tennis for Wits B...I felt the nerves and its nothing compared to what our local sportsmen like Hash achieved but I know damn well the commitment and resolve needed to be a great Sportsman.

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A WHITE XMAS

There was no EPL games this week due to heavy snowfall. The much anticiapted clash between Chelsea and Man Utd has been postponed. Just as well because of Chelseas form.In the only encounter Sunderland went to 5th when they beat Bolton 1-0.

In Serie A Inter were crowned World Club Champions when they defeated African outfit TP Mazembe. Inter were too good as they trounced the Africans in Dubai.Juve conceded in the 90th minute against Chievo after being reduced to ten men and AC Milan were beaten 1-0 BY Roma.Former Milan man Marco Boriello scoring for the Romans.

In LA Liga Barcelona were emphatic again as they ran out 5-1 winners. De Maria svaed ten man Madrid as they beat Sevilla 1-0. So Madrid keep up the pace

South Africa beat India in the First Test in Centurion Park. All thanks to devasting bowling from Morne Morkel in the first innings and superb centuries by Hash ,AB and a double ton by Kallis.

I met Hash on the eve before he was due to bat. For my readers Hash is looking Top Class. Man looks physically strong and as always mentally in tune. We chatted for a bit.I said century Hash and  a century he got. I took a two year old kid to meet Hash.This youngster is a friends son and a aspiring Hashim Amla fan.Believe it or not this two year old imitates Hash and he just wanted to meet Hashim Amla.

So I called Hash and set it up. The kid was thrilled. He just sat in Hash's lap and said Hashim Amla, Hashim Amla all the time. Hash true to his word made it special for the little lad and gave so much of his time

Its amazing you know to see our youngsters andkid aspiring to be what Hashim Amla is. It just shows the stature and grace that he has brought to World Cricket. Not only is he an icon now for our youngsters but he is a great World Cricketer. And off the pitch he is a remarkable human being that leaves behind a leagacy. He has this ambience and precence about him. That visit to this little kid clearly shows to me what Hashim Amla has become from the day I met him four years ago.

Warnie looks after me in Melbourne, just as Sachin and Ganguly do in India: Pietersen

Submitted by Rajiv Dhoot 

Melbourne, Dec 9 : England batsman Kevin Pietersen has said that he is looked after by former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne in Melbourne, in the same way as Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar does in Mumbai or former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly does in Kolkata.

Pietersen's comments come after he was fined 239 dollars for being busted speeding in a 475,000 dollar Lamborghini Gallardo organised by Warne in Melbourne.
The star batsman said that Warne had organised the bright new yellow car as one mate doing a good turn for another.
"This is Warnie's patch and when I'm in town, he looks after me," the Herald Sun quoted Pietersen, as saying.
"Just the same as Sachin (Tendulkar) does in Mumbai or (Sourav) Ganguly in Kolkata," he added.
Pietersen was nabbed by a police officer using a laser speed detector.
The 30-year-old was allegedly travelling at 121km/h in an 110km/h zone on the Geelong Ring Road.
Earlier, he had said that he felt for Tendulkar, who had to drive his Ferrari around Mumbai at 2a. m. to avoid being mobbed. (ANI)

LAST 16 DRAW

First leg home	First leg away
Roma                            VS	Shakhtar Donetsk
Valencia                      VS	Schalke 04
Inter Milan                  VS	Bayern Munich
O. Lyon                        VS	Real Madrid
Marseille                      VS	Man Utd.
Copenhagen                  VS	Chelsea
Arsenal                          VS	Barcelona
AC Milan                    VS	Tottenham

The round of 16 draw is out. And some interesting encounters. The MANCS have Marseille. This is not easy as it looks.Sir Alex wouldnt want to be dumped out by the French. Poor Arsenal pay teh price for finishing second as they draw the mighty Barcelona.The way Barcelona are playing I dont see Arsenal posing a threat at all.Milan have Spurs..thats interesting.Chelsea have it easy against Copenhagen. Madrid shout beat Lyon if we go by form and Inter have Bayern.
But as Cisse mentioned to me at RCS Sports.Alot can happen with form till Febrauary.Its two whole months.Lets wait and see