Kevinho Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 Good to see I gained back 4pts there, but in the Primera table things are really mad. Three teams on 10pts and Swamplandia just ahead. Great season guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 Its a tough division, 5 out of the 9 teams have winning records and it will probably end up like that. It will only get more competitive with each year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted December 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 DECEMBER 29, 2009 - ’Boks upset shocker versus Arcadia FC Transvaal Springboks only managed 3 shots against the defensive wall put up by Arcadia FC but nevertheless managed to make the most of them, sinking the ball past keeper Hector Horwarth on the road to their upset 2-1 victory at Arcadian Stadium. The win was only the Springboks’ second competitive win (out of eight matches) against Arcadia FC on the road, the first and only other occurrence coming last March in Season 5. “What really impressed me today was how we salvaged a win despite the odds stacked up against us” said an overjoyed Manager Bartnel Botha to the waiting press after the final whistle. “Beating Arcadia FC at home or away is never easy to do, but frankly, our squad could have performed even better. Our midfield form – which is where we generally win most of our games – has been pretty flat across the board as of late and we suffered a critical injury on our defence which could have been exploited but wasn’t. But we could have done even better, guys like Detlef Botha who seems to always excel against Arcadia FC seemed mediocre today.” “As this season has unfolded, I am realising more and more that our squad has major problems recovering form after the off-season layoff. It has certainly affected our play in the opening weeks.” Fullback Nathan Archibald is now projected to be out until January 23 and his long absence will force Manager Botha to revamp his game plans as he tries to fill the large, vacant hole. “Nathan will likely miss the next seven matches, so this is now when we need guys like McGorry, Froggnarson, and Cetshwayo Ngwane to find their peak form and step up to the plate. We may also try out Emmanuel Hörtnagl or Göran von Knorring on the defensive line as I want to see both of them get more play this year but the second-line defencemen will of course get first crack if they are prepared.” In regards to Ngwane, the 16-year-old was a last minute substitute replacement for McGorry – who is still suffering the nagging, lingering effects of his injury last month – but the Zulu phenom made the most of an unexpected opportunity and held his ground firm against the formidable Arcadian offense. “When Manager Botha signed me, he said that I would see action against the bottom half sides, I never expected I would face one of the Big Three this early.” “What troubles me now is after such a critical victory, we are now heading into a six-game stretch where we need to snag as many points as we can before facing the Big Three for the rematches in February. The injury could not have come at a worse time – although likewise at least the second-line will now see a lot more playing time as that was also a concern of mine as the season wore on. One problem has been replaced by another.” DECEMBER 30, 2009 - January 5th is Dick Witchge Day One of just three original Springbok players still with the club, veteran midfielder Dick Witchge will reach legendary status when he takes to the field on January 5th against Spartak MK in his 100th match in Liga Mundo. In recognition of this great achievement, Loftus Versfeld Stadium will be renamed Dick Witchge Stadium for this match. Witchge will join fullback Joep Boekweg, another original Springbok, as one of the club’s legendary players. The third original Bokke, Henk Schot, is expected to play his 100th match against Keville United on either January 19 or January 26. “When I was signed by the club as part of its expansion roster, I never expected I would make it to 100 games, the amount of time required makes it seem like some far off event in the future” said the normally reserved Witchge. “At one point during the off-season, when Bert van der Meer was sold, I wasn’t sure if I would be back with the club either as I was floated on the transfer wires. Manager Botha has since told me that baring any outstanding junior prospects which might come along, it’s a very good chance I’ll retire with the club. That is an even harder achievement to do, to remain in peak playing form that long. The Springboks are a tough club for guys to maintain a roster spot for those whom are in their 30s.” One of the great midfielders in Transvaler football, when asked who he saw as the future midfielder greats he quickly pointed out Detlef Botha. “That guy may act like a clown at times, but it’s all show to throw off his opponents. That kid is hard as nails on the field, but also backs up his toughness by walking the walk and popping the goals in. I see him in his twilight years being one of the greatest players this country has produced and probably leading all club records. But two other youngsters to keep an eye on are Mark Verwayen and Emmanuel Hörtnagl. Both of them constantly struggle for regular playing time but always make the most of their chances. Mark is having another career season and Hörtnagl is on the verge of being a first-line starter. When he does reach that point, I see him becoming one of the anchor players on our future midfield along with Detlef Botha and Stien van Buyten, who seems to be struggling the past season or so.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steodonn Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 I am loving my rank Unfortunately I struggle against lesser teams so the league table isn't as good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voobaha Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Liga Mundo ELO for week ending 5 Jan 2010 1. VolNation Volunteers 1355 (+1) 2. Atletico Luz Del Mar 1317 (-1) 3. FC Jekerger 1307 (+1) 4. SiPS 1281 (+1) t5. Dun Carrig Bohs 1278 (-2) t5. Arcadia FC 1278 (NC) 7. Nordheim Badgers FC 1248 (NC) 8. Voobaha National 1245 (+1) 9. Transvaal Springboks 1242 (-1) 10. Keville United FC 1212 (NC) 11. S Team 1207 (+1) 12. Swamplandia Sinners 1200 (-1) 13. Jianada United 1198 (+3) t14. A.M. Adepts FC 1185 (NC) t14. Estrella Roja 1185 (NC) 16. Spartak MK 1181 (+1) 17. 1984 Duckies FC 1179 (-5) 18. Atletico Melloria 1172 (NC) 19. Atletica Vinilandes 1154 (NC) 20. Roma Reds 1117 (+3) 21. Texas 1116 (-1) 22. Irlande 1102 (-1) 23. Compostela Artois 1092 (-1) 24. RMI Armed Forces FC 1079 (-1) 25. PEI FC 1077 (NC) 26. El Entrego 1076 (+1) 27. Dinamo Sano 1066 (-1) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Only two active defenders, ALDM will drop hard in the ELO.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 ALDM Transfer Lists Youth System Sensation - Arlindo Homegrown Talent, naturally named Arlindo Kaká from youth system. Arlindo Kaká Midfielder 18 year old 4 skill bars SQs: All-Arounder, Freekick Specialist It would be nice to see 3 ALDM players in LM on other teams. Starting bid: 700 000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Only two active defenders, ALDM will drop hard in the ELO.... Sometimes I look at your small roster and wonder just how small it could get after retirements. That and you have a huge age gap in most positions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Alba Farriá-Forreiró and Teo Nieto will most likely retire next season. Ive seen players play until they are 37, and both of these players are 35. Right now as a manager im trying to iron out a starting eleven. I am not happy with the lineup that i have, and i am looking to have a final roster of approx. 18. I am looking to buy a Super Star goalkeeper by the end of the season, if not next season if Teo stays around for awhile. Then it i am looking to make additions to an aging back line. like i said before, i am not happy with my lineup-but i must say it is a quality line up with technical ability and team experience Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael McBride Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hey Premeir... is there a way to modify the schedule so I play all my remaining games at home? kthxbai. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Right now as a manager im trying to iron out a starting eleven. 38 is the oldest I have seen play (i.e. retire at 39). But you only carry like 15-16 players - what do you do about injuries and suspensions and abyssmal form? If I was limited to 15-16, I'd run out of healthy players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 8, 2010 Report Share Posted January 8, 2010 Yes i carry 15-16 players this season, and have in the past. My ideal would be atleast 18. but right now that isnt possible, im saving the econ to fund a team with a style of play that i want and it takes a very long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steodonn Posted January 9, 2010 Report Share Posted January 9, 2010 Dun Carrig going to the final against old rivals Jekerger Talk about 2 upsets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voobaha Posted January 9, 2010 Report Share Posted January 9, 2010 Dun Carrig going to the final against old rivals JekergerTalk about 2 upsets First Cup final WITHOUT one of the Big 4 involved... strange days, indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2010 Dun Carrig going to the final against old rivals Jekerger Wow... just wow... I love you both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 10, 2010 Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 crazy to not see any of the big 4.... kind of disappointed i missed out, ridiculous circumstances of my back line. I hope the championship cup is much better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2010 JANUARY 11, 2009 - Springboks in flux One of the more conservative clubs in Liga Mundo when it comes to roster stability, in recent days there has been a flurry of rumours and breaking stories out of Loftus Versfeld as uncertainly spills out from the ’Boks club house. It is now officially confirmed that long-time back-up Göran von Knorring is on his way out after Manager Bartnel Botha placed him on the transfer wires yesterday and has since received two offers. Von Knorring has always struggled in the long shadow of Thurston Alderton, although concerns regarding his ability as a starter seemed to be laid to rest last season when Alderton came down with injury early in Season 6. However since François Théron was acquired in July, it appears Von Knorring became the odd-man out as the younger Théron is groomed as a future starter once Alderton retires. Von Knorring spent the better part of four seasons with Die Bokke but neither fans nor management really warmed up to the Swedish keeper. Club management confirmed this morning that talks with Atlético Luz Del Mar regarding acquiring midfield prospect Arlindo Kaká were broken off by Transvaal. It appeared yesterday that the Springboks were close to cutting legendary midfielder Dick Witchge, another veteran struggling on and off the pitch this season, and signing Kaká for an undisclosed sum. Manager Botha said to the press that ‘we withdrew our offer after we promoted Milan Bosch to the senior team – we could not afford weakening ourselves by drooping Witchge and picking up yet another project player. Besides, some of the board of directors had serious issues signing a player whose name sounds like ‘!@#$’ in Afrikaans.” That that segues into the third event: the unexpected release of promising Tsawna forward GB Bathoen (who had probably the longest name in Liga Mundo history) and the sudden promotion of 18-year-old Milan Bosch. “We had invested a lot of time and patience into the development of GB Bathoen, but when you suddenly have a better player land on your plate who is also younger, you have to take a hard look and figure out when and where to cut your losses. We had expected that at this point Bathoen would be on the level of, say, Niel Northfield, but his progress has been much, much slower than anticipated. With Milan, we get a young speedster that has more potential. We’re currently viewing him as an understudy of Balthazar Botha.” “It is quite possible that GB Bathoen may end up appearing at some point with NVK Kaapstad Hornets in the Nordreich Liga, which has already signed three former Springbok players: Ricardo van Deinsen, Dingiswayo Ngwane, and former UCFA star midfielder Dakarai Baako – who struggled in Liga Mundo but has since undergone a huge career rejuvenation in the Nordreich Liga. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2010 crazy to not see any of the big 4 You mean Big 3... remember Transvaal tanks its cup run (this season to Jekerger). I haven't taken the cup seriously since Season 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremierApex Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 ALDM Youth Sensation Arlindo Kaká is still available, would be a great addition to any team Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael McBride Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 Unfortunately, I just got two amazing youth team players of my own, Aston Feeney and Ronaldo Bazzani. 18/5/No specials and 17/5/No specials respectively. And I just picked up a 23 year old free kick specialist at forward today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voobaha Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 You mean Big 3... remember Transvaal tanks its cup run (this season to Jekerger). I haven't taken the cup seriously since Season 4. Sports page headline of today's Daily Voobahian: FIFOB TO INVESTIGATE TRANSVAAL MATCH FIXING Botha admits to "tanking" Cup run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botha Posted January 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 Botha admits to "tanking" Cup run. LOL although it is hardly match-fixing if I am publicly announcing beforehand when I will be tanking. Gah! What the hell is wrong with my team??? We seem to have no finish whatsoever. I'm now parked in 8th but if 2 of my draw were wins, I'd be in 4th. It's crazy how 2 key goals can make or break fortunes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steodonn Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 An injury to one of my best strikers right before my cup final fml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael McBride Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 Boy, my team just blows on the road. We get 6 chances (to 2 for RMI), control play for 63% of the game, and still only come away with a draw... unbelievable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevinho Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 Very happy with how this season is turning out for United. Thinking this will be an interesting double header with the 'Boks, the points from it could be crucial for either team. PremierApex, is there any way to scramble the fixtures so it doesn't just repeat the starting fixtures backwards at the end of the season - doesn't seem too realistic to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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