Whats happening in Sport

Sorry for the delay my people. I got somewhat sidetracked! Lets have a look at whats been happening in the world of sport

GOLF

The final major of the year took place and the unfancied German Martin Kaymer won. This of course was without controversy as Dustin Johnson was given a two shot penalty that meant he could not partake in the playoff! Now just for you to understand, he was punished for grounding his club in a bunker. Now in fairness this has always been a rule, but when seeing the replay you too might be somewhat surprised at that being called a bunker. No South Africans in the top 10 though, so the elation of the last major was not quite matched and you have to start to wonder if Ernie will ever win another major.

In other golfing news, the 8 automatic qualifiers for the Ryder cup are now decided. For the first time in his professional career Tiger Woods failed to qualify. He most likely will still get a captains pick form Corey Pavin, but its hard not to wonder how badly he has fallen. Tiger Woods is no longer the hurricane force that he once was.

CRICKET

So in a brief note about cricket, South African captain Graeme Smith has decided to resign from the T20 side and will step down as ODI captain post 2011 world cup. I for a long time have felt that we should treat our teams separately for T20 specifically and think Johan Botha will make a great captain. If Smith is on form and warrants a place then let him be there, but an out of form Smith as captain can hurt a team.

Also the Airtel Champions League is poised to start here in South Africa. I think this makes us the only country to have hosted all of the big 3 T20 events. The World T20, The IPL and the champions league. Once again this just underlines the brilliance of South African in sport hosting

SOCCER / FOOTBALL

Well the great thing was that Bafana Bafana followed up their world cup victory over France with a very creditable win over World Cup fan favourites Bhaghana. Pitso Mosimane, definitely my choice for Bafana coach kept the principles and played the players who deserved a game. Two strikers was a lot more positive and Katlego Mphela continually underlines his brilliance for the national squad.

Furthermore the English premiership and Scottish Premier League got underway this weekend. Chelsea demolished Wigan, United beat an average Newcastle, Arsenal were gifted a point by Pepe Reina, Moneybags Man City were lucky to get a draw at a team with no class. But the story of the week was definitely Blackpool back in the premier league for the first time in 40 odd years winning away from home 4-0. They are a club that stick to their principles and have a salary cap more in line with the 3rd division but what a success story! Rangers and Celtic kicked off with wins, but far from anything close to resembling comfortable. For all the goals of the premier league this week click here

And of course special mention goes this week to Spurs. Young boys 3-2 spurs! LMAO

TENNIS

Andy Murray beat Federer and Nadal in claiming the Toronto Masters. But most importantly South African no 1 Kevin Anderson has moved up to 76th in the world. It is great credit to the hard work he has put in. He is now poised to receive an automatic qualification into the US Open. Truly great signs for the South African Davis Cup team

RUGBY

Possibly the greatest captain in Rugby Union history is set to win his 100th cap in front of a crowd of 90 000. I think any debate about the form of John Smit needs to be set aside and we all need to give respect to the man who every other country wish they had. I hope we can win the world cup next year and he can bow out with the ultimate achievement! In a weeks time another great servant of south african rugby will get his 100th cap at the most appropriate stadium. Congratulations to both John Smit and Victor Matfield on the brilliance of the careers.

The boks tackle the all blacks on Saturday and i can see the Boks scraping a win. Of course hopefully we don't have anyone sent off in the first 10 minutes.

The Currie cup reaches the halfway stage this week with a humdinger of a game in Durban. I think that the Sharks might take it this week, but it could be narrow.

I also would like to vote my Currie cup star of the week last week (this is a feature i will likely add again next week), it has to be Elton Jantjies. The young flyhalf broke my Cheetah supporting heart with a display that strangely brought back the joy of Carlos Spencer. This boy has a great future, but i hope he stays at the lions for a while longer to reap the benefits of training with "King Carlos"

JABU'S PICK THREE FOR THIS WEEKEND

As mentioned already the first one will be in the Currie cup. The Sharks to beat Province by less than seven.

My Second is going to be for the ultimate bore draw in a 0-0 for Man City vs Liverpool.

Lastly i am going with Kaizer Chiefs to beat Bloem Celtic by two in the Quarters of the MTN8.

All eyes will be on Soweto on Saturday, but sport will be everywhere this weekend.

In sport of course!

JABU