The Pretoria League as some usually jest has almost come to its conclusion. Capital city rivals have been neck and neck for the past five games or so of this PSL campaign after Sundowns won the derby game which speared on babel about who was going to win the league. However speculations came to a halt last week as United took the league third time in succession. United though failed once again to win the match that is ahead of their crowning. United went down to the clever boys who successfully managed to dodge their own woes namely the doldrums of the PSL, Wits have the most vicissitudinous end of the season PSL ranking form but their coach Roger De Sa has managed to gain himself a spot as Assistant Coach for the Portuguese team that is coming for the FIFA World Cup. United’s fate though was sealed by Ezenkosi who managed to circumvent Downs with a two goal deficit, Punters deemed Cosmos auspicious as they had collected maximum points against Pirates and had a pugnacious upsurge against Chiefs to collect a point.
Ezenkosi have managed to decrease the points between them and Aces to one point and this could mean they could dodge automatic relegation if things go their way on 6th of March. Downs’ woes continue despite having the biggest revenue leverage in the PSL. Players are unhappy and Stoichkov made matters worse after their Swallows game insisting that the Premier League is corrupt. Reason being their game with Swallows was resumed stead of being restarted, Downs had been 2-0 down when the match was postponed due to rain. Downs later got held to a 3-3 stalemate which means the gap between them and United widened as United had managed to salvage three arduous points against Dinaledi in a game that seemed poised for a draw till a Carelse strike. United have been consistent and remained formidable throughout the season and when big guns like Laffor and Klate didn’t come to the party the likes of Khumalo, Maluleke, Gould and Carelse have come to the fore especially when draws seemed imminent. On the other hand Downs have a continuum of stars who are not playing who seem very unhappy. The difference between the two teams is that United are fortified by their proficiency as a team as opposed to the galacticos who are just purchased and harbored at Downs who end up not contributing to the team’s efficiency.
With the last games poised for Saturday there is still room for Jomo Cosmos to avoid automatic elimination. The 8th spot could still change hands if the Dube birds slumber and fail to collect a point and Maritzburg earn all three. All in all this Saturday should provide entertainment for the fanatic. Improved Amazulu have somewhat of an Indian sign on the champions and will look to end on a high note.
In Europe the second round of the Champions League got underway with some of the most scintillating games. The most anticipated games though being Italian giants AC Milan and Inter against Man United and Chelsea respectively. The first round of the AC Milan Man U encounter was a fascinating affair that combusted excitement in the early minutes of the game when Ronaldinho scored a fetching goal that saw gravity tilt towards Milan as the San Siro erupted until the evergreen and ageing Paul Scholes scored a lucky goal. The blue-eyed boy of Man U Rooney gave his home fans much to cheer about as he netted two. Odds tip United now as Milan will need a two goal deficit win to eliminate the Red Devils.
The other encounter was less successful for the participating English counterparts as Mourinho is one up on his previous team. Inter scored a goal as early as the 3rd minute through Milito. The game also saw Kalou, Milito and Motta booked. The rest of the scoring happened in the 2nd half through Kalou and Cambiasso leaving Inter with an advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
