Liga Mundo - Season 10

[Botha]

[color="#006400"][size="5"][b]NEWS FROM AROUND LIGA MUNDO[/b][/size]

[b]DECEMBER 23, 2010 - ARTICLE OF THE WEEK for Season 10 Pre-Season[/b]

[b]Player Spotlight: Allo Grossberg[/b]

In April of Season 8, back when the Commodores were referred to as the Longhorns (Crikey, that was only half a year ago!), manager KingChris proudly inked an 8.8 million dollar deal with the veteran midfielder Allo Grossberg, a Jew who hailed from Germany and was, after the signing, the best rated player on the Longhorn squad. It was he who carried the weight of the Texas team to the top of Tercera Liga and to the Quarterfinals of the Copa Cato I (the Longhorns lost to the eventual champions Arcadia FC). Without his stunning leadership to guide the previously inexperienced Longhorns, well, KingChris probably would've given up.

Born in Germany in 1977, Allo Grossberg was a natural when it came to soccer. Playing as a striker for his youth team, he helped his coach win six consecutive league titles. Unfortunately, at the age of thirteen, due to economic struggles, his parents were forced to pull him out of the league, causing him to have to work for various storeowners for the remainder of his teenage life. However, hope came out of the past when he was granted a full ride scholarship to play soccer at the University of Mainz, due to his excellent natural football abilities. Following his career there, he was picked up by many German league teams, and unfortunately, did not fare well for several years because of his lack of extraordinary abilities.

This past summer, Longhorns manager KingChris, desperate to keep the team alive and to avoid relegation to Cuarta Liga, told his transfer staff to "find the best player on the transfer market that we can afford." After several failed attempts to acquire players that rejected the Longhorns for teams with better offers, the Longhorns finally came about Allo Grossberg. Due to initial success of the team with their new playmaker, KingChris devised his famous 5-3-2 formation, which revolved around Grossberg. This strategy became so successful that it even led to the beginning of the team's first major rivalry with Templar Forsworn, with Cyphon88 ranting about Grossberg and the team's 5-3-2 formation after a loss to Texas. In fact, with the help of Todd Clemence and Kirill Palagin, the latter of which acquired late in the season, Allo Grossberg made six goals, seven assists, and twelve Xpert Eleven nominations, making him the MVP of Tercera Liga that season, and placing him on the Liga Mundo All Star Team.

In season nine, Grossberg again, with the help of Kirill Palagin and Anton Geaman, saved the Longhorns from relegation. Unfortunately, because he was inexperienced with playing against more veteran managers, KingChris did not fare well in Segunda, but had it not been for Grossberg, who accumulated nine Xpert Eleven nominations and earned a spot on the Segunda All Star team. Today, thirty three year old Grossberg joins the newly renamed Commodores as they enter season ten of Liga Mundo.

Grossberg's all time stats with the Longhorns:
55 Matches
28 Points
14 Goals
14 Assists (Team leader)
1 Yellow Card
0 Red Cards
0 Own Goals
28 Xpert Eleven nominations (6 captain nominations)

[b]JANUARY 6, 2011 - ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #1)[/b]

[b]Second Season Starts in Segunda - More Changes for Guajolotes[/b]

The first season after moving and changing its name from Compostela Artois to United Guajolotes Athletic Football Club Association Organization of the Greater New Kauai Security And Trade Region Inc., the team more commonly known as Guajolotes has earned itself an undefeated season, a division title, promotion, and a number of honors for its players.

As Guajolotes begins the season in Segunda Liga, the team has continued making changes. The teams backfield has looked like a revolving door in the last few weeks. Veteran defender Marcus Lennon was sacked shortly after announcing that he planned to retire after the season. Two new faces have recently appeared on defense for the team. Ayo Mabukwu started the season opener against FC Jekerger, and looks to be a regular feature in the teams lineup throuhout the season. The team also make a hopeful investment for the future in acquiring promising 20 year old Phillip Halden. Many have speculated that the team overpaid, but we likely won't have an answer to the question for many seasons, as he probably won't figure into Guajolotes' regular lineup anytime soon. They usually employ a light defense, and with 7 other defenders on the roster it would be a surprise to see him get regular playing time immediately. Still, murmurings from fans and pundits alike suggest that both Ricky Seward and Graeme Fleetwood probably won't be with the club for long.

Meanwhile, the future looks bright for the upcoming season. Guajolotes started out strong with a win, beating FC Jekerger 4-0, led by a hat trick effort from Julio Hector and another clean sheet in goal from reigning Tercera Liga MVP Rob Napier. It would be unreasonable to expect another undefeated season in the stiffer competition of Segunda, and realistically, Guajolotes is probably a longshot for promotion, but the team expects to compete well against the more worthy adversaries of the higher division.

[b]JANUARY 20, 2011 - ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #2)[/b]

[b]Forsworn draw Dopeheads[/b]

Manager Cyphon88 expressed incredulity at the cup draw for the second round at the club's weekly press conference.

"Cyph, what are you thoughts on the cup draw?"

C: "We got the dopeheads? Oh come on. We've already had to deal with one dementia ridden club this season. And for all their faults, at least they had a hey day when they were clear thinking. That's never been the case for Dopey dorpat."

"Certainly a different challenge that the Salty Dogs then?"

C: "Well at least we will face a team that isn't likely to be put down next week, so yes, it's certainly a different proposition"

"How does the Cup fit into the club's plans for this season? Are we to expect a cup run like in your debut season with the club?"

C: "I wouldn't expect that. The priority this season is maintaining a good league position in the most competitive league we've been in thus far."

"Don't you agree that the acquisition of Henrique Paz has added a different element to your team this season?"

C: "Acquisition? Pretty big word for you there Steve! [Chuckles around the press room] Henri certainly has offered a different element to the squad this season, as has every other player. Bringing a player of his experience into the club certainly brings a positive mentality, which I think has been reflected in the results thus far"

"Surely you can't expect the results to continue as they have for the rest of the season?"

C: "We have nothing to fear in this league, and we won't play as if we have something to fear. The lad's have shown their quality for the past two seasons, and on into this season to show we deserve to be here."

"Which team and player has most impressed you thus far in your foray into the Primera Liga?"

C: "First of all, this is not a foray, this is a beach head, we're digging in to the Primera and we're going to continue to push into the Liga and make ourselves one of the top clubs in Liga Mundo. To answer your question though, I think thus far I have to say the most impressive team we've played has to be the Boks. They are certainly going to be contending for the title. And for player, I was very impressed by Joop Boekweg. Any young kids out there, watch his game against us, it's a masterclass in how to save your team when they're under the cosh."

"In the lower leagues, who has impressed you thus far? Eyeing up anybody to strengthen the squad from there?"

C: "I'm glad to see Kelville get off to a good start, too much history for them to be propping the table. It's always nice to see the Bohs and the Commodores propping up a table though. As for signings? We've built a squad for a season, so I'm thinking we're all right, I see no need to strengthen at this time."

Feeling good about today's game against fellow new boys the Badgers?

C: "Yes indeed. You can't underestimate the Badgers, certainly in their own den, but it's going to be a competitive game and I don't see why we shouldn't be able to come away with three points."

[b]JANUARY 26, 2011 - ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #3)[/b]

[b]VolNation, Boks Embark On Scoring Frenzy[/b]

All season, the VolNation Mighty Volunteers offense has been in siesta mode, with every effort made to wake them. Then the perfect alarm clock came into focus as the mighty Vols played 2 matches against the Transvaal Springboks. Historically, the fireworks that happen on the field way eclipse the after match fireworks display, and in back-to-back matches this week, both clubs took it to another level as the two clubs combined for 14 goals.

The league match at Neyland Stadium initially looked like a route and the Mighty Vols connected early and often. In the 2nd minute, a corner was delivered by Michael Pitts to a waiting center forward Pedro Townsend, whose redirection to the right post was going wide. However, the wiley veteran center midfielder Zachary Great slowed enough on his move to the post to flick the ball back toward the center of the goal and into the net.

A few minutes later, the Dynamic Duo of Robertson and Goodwin trated the fans to some back-and forth action as the worked down the field, with Goodwin lobbing in the ball from the right side to give the Mighty Vols their second goal. 10 minutes later, captain Arthur Basso was on the receiving end of a vicious Detlef Botha tackle that had the fans calling for a red, but Basso collected himself and delivered the perfect riposte, a free kick into the upper left corner of the net for a 3-0 lead.

The only problem with this scoring was that it was too quick, which allowed Transvaal plenty of time to look for a hero to lead them. Transvaal striker Charles Brennan wasn't about to let the Boks go quietly into the night, and proceeded to single-handedly answer the Mighty Vols. First it was a seeing-eye header that curled inside the right pole off a Balthazar Botha cross in the 36th minute. Then it was the two striker connecting again as Balthazar Botha chipped it over the VolNation backline and Brennan beat VolNation centerback Ross Stewart to the ball and took it all the way in on the breakaway, beating Mighty Vol keeper Christopher Rojas to his left and pocketing the ball for goal 2 right before the half.

After the half, Brennan finished the job off a corner, as the ball went to center mid Emmanuel Hörtnagl, who smartly didn't shoot but passed to Brennan on the right side. With everyone mostly centered, Brennan threaded the needle and delivered the equalizer for the hat trick. With the score back to a draw, both defenses finally showed up and stopped the shooting.

After this barrage, all wondered what would happen for an encore between these two clubs in the first leg of their Copa Cato III matchup. Unbelievably, both clubs took it to new heights with a record 8 goals, breaking their old high water mark of 7 goals in the matchup between these two teams.

It was the Boks jumping on early as the captain and right attacking midfielder Detlef Botha, who was mostly silent a few days earlier, quickly flicked in a header from a chip-in from center mid Emmanuel Hörtnagl in the opening seconds of play. While this juiced the Transvaal fans at Loftus Versfeld, is also pumped up the Mighty Vols, who responded with two of their own to take the lead into the half. Center mid Michael Pitts perfectly timed a move past reserve Transvaal center back Bismarck Steyn, taking the chip pass from striker Rudolf Fäste and putting the breakaway between the legs of Boks keeper François Théron to make it 1-1. Then, it was Transvaal striker Jakob Kruger that got called for the massive hit on VolNation right mid Lloyd Fry, and VolNation captain reminded Transvaal of who this type of play doesn't pay as he delivered in another free kick goal to take the Mighty Vols up 2-1 going into the break.

After the break, predicatably it was the Boks that got hot, rolling off three in a row. First, Arlindo Kaká attacked from his right wing positon, breaking away and delivering the equalizer. Then Detlef Botha took advantage of the dead ball play as he delivered not one, but two free kick goals, to complete his hat trick and give the Boks a dominating 4-2 lead.

However, it seems like a "dominating lead" becomes the cue for the other team turn it up, and the Mighty Vols rose to the occasion, as they have not done all year. First it was centermid Darnell Roberson who took advantage of Steyn's inexperience in the center mid spot, as he broke away and split Boks keeper François Théron's legs to make it 4-3. Then, in the final minutes, Detlef Botha was shown the red, and his presence was greatly missed as the extra space and lack of leadership caused a breakdown in the wall as the Mighty Vols set up for a free kick in injury time. Basso, noting this, faked the kick, and with the wall and keeper committed, striker Goodwin, who was a pace behind, rifled home the equalizer.

2 matches, 14 goals: Transvaal had been scoring before this, but not the Mighty Vols look to be back on track, and they will take this newly rediscovered offense to Templar Forsworn in another matchup between Ark Premier League managers.[/color]

[Kevinho]

Meanwhile, an interesting race might well be shaping up in the Tercera...hope I can keep my winning streak up, especially now that I'm 'concentrating on the league'.

Edited February 2, 2011 by Kevinho

[Lestari]

Is this kind of like the Cup of Nations that Pravus had going previously?

[Botha]

[quote name='dotCom' timestamp='1296691435' post='2616704']Is this kind of like the Cup of Nations that Pravus had going previously?[/quote]

[color="#006400"]No. We run Liga Mundo through the [url="http://www.xperteleven.com/"]Xpert Eleven[/url] game.[/color]

[Kevinho]

Indeed, we're always looking for nations to sign up for the next season.

Tercera race is certainly hotting up now.

[Botha]

[color="#006400"][size="5"][b]NEWS FROM AROUND LIGA MUNDO[/b][/size]

[b]FEBRUARY 2, 2011 – ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #4)[/b]

[b]VolNation Back On Track[/b]

It has taken a few weeks into the season, but the VolNation Mighty Volunteers look to have finally woken up from their lethargy.

This week, they collected their first wins in the league and in the cup. Against a previously undefeated Templar Forsworn club, the Mighty Vols finally showed some defense for the first time this season, holding the boys from the Chapterhouse to just 2 shots on goal and collecting a clean sheet for the first time all season. The offensive output kept rolling, as Rudolf Fäste showed off his blazing speed in scoring and Arthur Basso connected off a free kick for his third league goal of the season.

Then it was the second leg of Cup play against the Transvaal Springboks. The Boks clearly made the decision to give some of their reserves playing experience, as the fielded a weaker back line, but their midfield, led by Detlef Botha, was as powerful as ever, meaning that if the Mighty Volunteers did not play tight defense, another scorefest would ensue. The 'Boks highly physical play was just what Basso ordered, as he and striker Ian Robertson caught the 'Boks trying to make the hit rather than the stop and connected on a crossing header in the first minute for the 1-0 lead. Basso then continued to take advantage of the "Boks physical play in the 'Boks half of the field as he connected with another two goals off of free kicks.

The only question was how the defensive wall would hold, especially after centerback Sérgio Cambiasso was carted off the field after a wicked hit that apparently the referees didn't see, as no card was given. With the veteran Ross Stewart coming off the bench to plug the gap, a determined defense vowed not to give Detlef Botha the space or the opportunity to make plays, and they did it admirably, only allowing a goal off a connection between midfielders Mark Verwayen and Stien van Buyten on a breakaway.

This week's action promises to not give the Mighty Vols a break as they face off against Atlético Luz Del Mar in league action and a hot Nordheim Badgers FC club in the cup. With the defense finally playing up to speed and the "Atlético-Killer" Basso firing on all cylinders, the VolNation fans are in a more excited frame of mind for the Neyland Stadium faceoff of these two clubs.

[b]FEBRUARY 3, 2011 – ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #5)[/b]

[b]Forsworn Press Conference[/b]

Following the Dorpat defeat, and with the home victory over Athletico Melloria, the Chapterhouse lifted it's media ban, and Cyphon88 came out to answer long awaited questions from the Media.

The first question was from the Dun Carrig State Media: "How do you respond the allegations of bribes being the reason behind your success over the past several years? Many media outlets feel this would explain your pathetic squad actually doing well."

C: "The media's problem here is that they are being subject to the effect of Chomsky's propaganda model, where ruling elites of other clubs are controlling the media to such an extent that they bury any positive information about the Forsworn. We are a beacon in the oppressive night, and some wish to put us out, but our work will not go unnoticed and will produce results in the Primera Liga."

The Sprinkbok media opened up next, asking about the comment about Joep Boekweg.

C: "In our game with the Spingbok's he was the player who did the most to stop us. Dementia Detlef was largely forgettable, he only popped up to score goals. Joep's performance was as the ultimate stopper and had the greater effect in the game through stopping the Forsworn's attacks."

This was then followed by a question from Nordenstrom State Press: 'Zemo is a better looking man, more intelligent, and quite a bit stronger than you, yet your weak team still managed to pull out a miracle of a draw against a far superior team; to what do you attribute this luck?

C: "This was no miracle. Zemo may claim to be all those things, but he is also over-confident and not at all humble. When someone has these two attributes it's very easy to get into their heads and outwit them."

The Dorpat 'media' then asked how Cyphon88 felt about the recent huge upset for Dorpat to squeeze through into the next round of the cup?

C: "I have to admit it's a disappointment not to progress further in the cup. But this is an area where we've never been overly concerned about, as our focus is all about the league. Thus we fielded a young team, blooded some players, and Dorpat threw everything at us. Rumours have reached us that Dorpat offered it's team a bonus of over a Million to secure a win against us. Dorpat don't have the challenge of the Primera Liga to deal with, and so can afford to stretch themselves in this manner. When Dopey Dorpat come up and play with the big boys, we can talk again about this."

Teen mag magazine asked, "Cyphon, you're like, omg, so hawt, what would our readers have to do to get a date with you?"

C: "I'm a man of many pleasures, but the key thing with you readers would be, ID or nada. And then you'd have to match my hilarious wit with cunning banter, and then you might have a shot."

"How did you feel about the loss to the Volunteers?"

C: "They're a very good team. Going away to play them is always going to be very hard. We were very combatitive in the midfield, but couldn't convert that into chances. Obviously the last few games some defensive frailities were highlighted, but we follow the philosophy of outscoring the opposition. That won't always work, but we worked on some defensive organisation and that was shown in the game against Melloria. So we learn't from that game and will do better in the future."

The Guardian asked the penultimate question of the press conference, "How do you rate your performance against Athletico Melloria?"

C: "We simply dominated. They offered no real threat and we controlled the game from beginning to end. Their series of yellow cards highlight the desperate measures they went with to try to match us. Hardy Allman especially did well as the defensive Midfielder to give our defense some cover, which showed in how we limited their chances and got our first clean sheet since we played the Salty Dogs"

The final question was asked by the Times, "How do you feel about the season having done the first third, and the upcoming game against ALDM?"

C: "Well third is no mean feat. The league is extremely competitive, we're only five points above the relegation zone, and three of the top of the table. We by no means expect to be challenging for the top of the table for this season, and we've got a hard few games ahead of us. ALDM will be an extremely hard game, no one should let their league position fool them as to their potential. They might not challenge for the title now, but they are one of the forces in Liga Mundo, and we will prepare accordingly."

And with that Cyphon88 wrapped up his press conference.

[b]FEBRUARY 10, 2011 – ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #6)[/b]

[b]VolNation Has Big Comeback Against ALDM[/b]
While the fans at Neyland Stadium were looking for a big game against their longtime rivals Atlético Luz Del Mar in this highly anticipated, they did not realize that this would be an epic showdown or a final sendoff for their beloved midfielder Joey Lehmann. What they saw was their Mighty Volunteers take the field in a highly attacking 3-4-3 formation and Atlético Luz Del Mar counter with an equally offensive oriented 3-5-2, and they knew fireworks were coming!

Right away, the shots started flying at the goals. First, ALDM almost got a freebee as right fullback Ross Stewart, instead of clearing a crossing shot, mistimed his header and sent it towards his own goal. Only a fine play from keeper Christopher Rojas stopped that early attack. The crowd went electric as the Mighty Vols countered a bit later as the "Nino-Killer" Arthur Basso lined up a free kick from 28 yeards out. Unfortunately, Basso went a bit wide as he went for the corner, and the score remained 0's. Back cane ALDM, but a wicked shot by left midfielder Genaro Ochotorena just sailed high. Rojas dodged another bullet minutes later as a cross to striker Zé Cocôa was headed right off the crossbar. ALDM kept up the attack, judging that a great defense is a potent offense, and Ochotorena pulled the trigger on a diving header aimed for the left post. Rojas, however, anticipated that one and made the difficult save look easy.

VolNation fans, wondering where their offense was so far, got worried as they saw Coach Philip try to jumpstart their anemic front line by pulling left winger Chad Goodwin and put in the young lightningrod Rudolf Fäste. This did not stop the ALDM attack, and they got a huge break as another shot by Ochotorena was blocked but not cleared, and in the resulting scrum in front of the goal, VolNation centerback Mark Blankenship shanked it right into his own goal.

ALDM went right for the jugular with this unexpected break, and in the 44th minute, left defensive midfielder Felício Melo da Silva got the ball over to Cocôa near the right post. Cocôa threaded the needle just inside the post and just beyone the outstretched hand of Rojas and ALDM had a dominating 2-0 lead right before the half.

While ALDM looked to go into the lockers with that lead, the Mighty Vols caught them napping right at the beginning of injury time. The Mighty Vols, who had really been stopped in the box by the imposing ALDM trio of LuLu, Taja, and the recent addition of Alejo Moisés, finally broke through as center forward Ian Robertson drove into the box and chipped it over to the blazing Fäste, who was all alone on the left post. Before LuLu could get back, Fäste poked it home and visibly deflated the ALDM squad by drawing the Mighty Vols back within 1 with seconds to spare.

Coach Philip's gamble had paid off, and had given the Mighty Vols the jolt they needed going into the half. Coming out in the second, the Mighty Vols kept that momentum going as Fäste almost did it again minutes after play resumed, but his header went just high. Undeterred, moments later, the Mighty Vols got a corner kick and Stewart delivered a beauty in the center of the box to Blankenship. In a clearly designed play, Blankenship flicked it right over to the left post where the dreaded "Nino-Killer" had slipped his mark back at the corner of the box and gone in to poke it right in with his toe to even the score.

With the score tied and the momentum firmly in the Mighty Vols favor, the VolNation fans were on the edge of their seat looking for the go-ahead. It would not be long in coming and the youngest "Geezer In Cleats", attacking midfielder Darnell Roberson, quietly did what he has done 60 times before, dropped the ball into the back of the net to give the Mighty Vols the lead to stay. While maintaining control of the ball, the Mighty Vols simply would not give ALDM the chances they had in the first half to preserve the win.

Armed with this big win, the Mighty Vols headed to Nordheim to face off against the Badgers and their great captain Rodger Maddison. With defender Sérgio Cambiasso out unto the end of February and Ian Robertson suspended for the match due to yellow cards, the Mighty Vols started a number of reserves out of necessity. Caleb Reichle was slotted in on the right side both for his speed and to ability to dish it back out to the very rough Nordheim squad, and his brother Nathaniel made his debut as the right midfielder. Fäste got the start as the striker, and Nana Emedec went in at goal.

The Badgers looked to go extra physical at home, and Fäste was literally knocked off his game. Coach Philip, seeing the youngster being physically intimidated by Maddison and without Robertson there as a countering physical force, made the early switch, sending in a tougher Pedro Townsend to mix it up with Maddison.

The Badgers were able to get the first strike off a corner as right midfielder Yusuf Abdul-Samad delivered the precision header. However, the VolNation gameplan of getting the physical Badgers to create their own trouble paid off. While the hometown fans thought some acting was involved, the wiley Roberson managed to get entangled with Maddison in the box, and when Roberson ended up on his back following a missed header, referee Al Beback pointed to the spot. Roberson, doing the honors with Robertson on the bench, showed the Badgers that crime doesn't pay and delivered the equalizer on the penalty shot.

One of the Mighty Vols goals was not to give Maddison, the leading scorer in the Primera, many chances, and they did a great job, only allowing him one opportunity that was well defended against. The counterpunch was to get Basso with opportunities, and the Badgers obligingly gave him one in the second off more physical play by Nordheim, and Basso showed how it is done as he pocketed home his free kick. This 2-1 advantage had to survive a couple of Nordheim challenges, but strong defensive play and an attack that didn't stop for the Mighty Vols limited the chances and none went in. Thus, the Mighty Vols walked out with a big 2-1 away win in the first leg of the Copa Cato II Quarterfinals.

[b]FEBRUARY 17, 2011 – ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (WEEK #7)[/b]

[b]Forsworn Press Conference[/b]

Cyphon88 strolled in for his press conference after todays away win.

Boh's Boy Buggernation magazine opened the Press Conference, 'What is your aim for this season? How high do you aim to place?'

C: 'Well our aim at the beggining of the season was to avoid relegation, we seem to be well on our way to achieving that end. We aim to place as high as possible of course.'

The Bok's Syndicate of Boy Buggernation Magazine followed up, "But having now being only one point behind the leaders, and 3 points and goal difference above your nearest rivals, surely you must be looking for more now?"

C: "Well we're certainly up there aren't we. The liga is very competitive, and I think we have to stress the huge extent to which many clubs are underperforming this season. I think the first half of the season was the tougher schedule for us, and judging from the current league positions, our selection of home and away games left to play should make it an easier run in."

Badger's Syndication of Boy's Buggernation Magazine pressed further, "So you mean to say that you're now title challengers?"

C: "If we were just to look at the table, and know nothing beyond the names of the clubs, that would certainly be the suggestion wouldn't it? But you have to look beyond that, and the whole Liga becomes murky. No one is safe from relegation in this liga yet, and I think that's a very pertinent point, and not to be forgotten. While I say our run in looks easier, you'd have to be a Badger shaped mug to think it's going to be easier from here on in."

The Arcadian Arklight enquired about today's game, "Are you happy with the result, do you feel it's a good indicator for next week?"

C: "I am happy indeed with today's result. Arcadia FC are a very good team, with a great pedigree. We just out maneouvered them in the end, and the couldn't deal with the pressure we able to apply with our wing backs, which stretched them. As far as I'm concerned, the next game is completely seperate, as Acardia have a difficult cup match before them, which could change the whole complextion of the reverse fixture."

The Volunteer Voice asked Cyphon88's opinion, "Who has been the best player in the liga this season, and who is the most impressive young player in the Liga?"

"Well I think it's hard to look past Detlef Botha for all round performance. They've been some excellent players in the form of Maddison and Lois Luis again, but they've not been able to rally their teams and effect their team's position as much as Detlef has. As for young Player, I think it's hard to look past Matty Doolan, although Cary Mitchell is running him hard, and I expect Roger Boyes to come into form now and give them both a run for their money."

The Melloria Meterite asked about the lower leagues, "Anything surprising you about the lower leagues?"

C: "Not particularly, but I expected the Segunda to be more competitive than it is currently."

The Swampy Soundbite asked about the relegation battle, "Do you think the Sinners and ADLM can get out of the relegation zone?"

C: "Well, if they draw with each other next match, and Melloria cause an upset, they could be in real trouble. As it is, I think Melloria is the only club really engaged in that relegation battle at this point, and if three teams are fighting for one spot, it could get nasty."

Mars News asked "Are you uncomfortable with the shanty town of nubile young women which has sprung up around your modest abode?"

C: "Not in the slightest, adds to the scenery, and drives property prices right up. I don't think you could say that for any other type of Shanty Town. They've been quite respectful to the current Mrs Hon, and so very friendly it's borderline suggestive! I certainly can't complain."

The Commodore Crapwiper asked, "Your mom and sister just asked me to (insert expletive them). I obliged their request. Comment?"

C: "What they do in their own time is up to them. I appreciate you humouring them, they so rarely get to try out their 18" strap ones, and it's even rarely that someone like you volunteers to let them use it on you! It takes all kinds of folks to make up this world, even people like you who want that done to them!"

And with that the Chapterhouse officials closed the press conference so Manager Cyphon88 could return to contemplative thought of Life, the Universe, and the Liga.

[b]FEBRUARY 17, 2011 - Detlef Botha... The Legend for real[/b]

Just figure Detlef Botha to ruin his own party...

The hardnosed freekicker picked up another suspension today against Atlético Melloria to add to his large collection – and in the process forced club management to postpone celebrations of his impending 100th match until March 3 when the man already considered a legend by the Boks faithful finally achieves official legendary status in Liga Mundo.

In honour of that upcoming achievement, Transvaler Daaglikse Sportnuus now looks back at the more controversial incidents and comments of his playing career:

[i]EXCERPT FROM SPRINGBOKS YEARBOOK[/i]: Detlef Botha - midfielder; wears #17. The flamboyant younger brother of Balthazar Botha, he joined the club as a junior prospect in the later half of Season 4. He is most noted for his fearsome freekicking ability and physical toughness on the pitch. Considered by many to be the greatest Springbok player, Detlef has since September 27, 2010 has been the club's leading career pointman. He made an immediate impact on the scoring charts in his second season but it wasn't until Season 8 when his dominance in his position became solidified with 1st or 2nd place finishes in the scoring charts as well as his first all-star section and then repeated these achievements the following season.

[i]TRANSVALER DAAGLIKSE SPORTNUUS[/i] - January 13, 2009
The Transvaal Springboks announced this evening that Detlef Botha, younger brother of forward Balthazar Botha, has been promoted to the senior team from the juniors. The two brothers last played together over four years ago when Balthazar was still on the junior squad and Detlef was a 15-year old trial prospect brought up to the Juniors from the Minor programme. Nineteen year-old Detlef Botha joins the Springboks midfield corps and will jump into the role of spot kicker – an area of talent Die Bokke have been lacking in for a couple of seasons. Manager Bartnel Botha – no relation to the two brothers – had this to say about the latest signing: “Detlef has already been written in for a start this Friday against the Gumbo Gods and I am looking forward to seeing what he brings to our team. He has been a tough, fundamental player for the junior side and his addition comes at a perfect time for us as I am in the midst of retooling our midfield.”

[i]“Detlef Botha is a definite keeper. I can see him over time evolving into another Dick Witchge once Dick is retired.”[/i] - understatment by Manager Bartnel Botha, February 2009

[i]“With God as my witness, I hate them…”[/i] – Detlef Botha, prior to 2 point match against Arcadia FC which galvanised championship run in Season 5, March 2009

[i]“If we lose to the Rokkies (“rok” is Afrikaans for ‘skirt’ or ‘dress’) then I will wear a skirt for the remainder of our matches this season. This is it boys! We are here to win and everything will be on the line next Monday! I so want to win this baby and see the Big Three’s shattered faces when we take the Liga Mundo championship on June 8.”[/i] – Detelf Botha’s infamous Bokkies vs Rokkies interview, in reference to Coach Courtney of Arcadia FC, May 2009

[i]“I’ll guess that means I have to wait for Robertson next time around.”[/i] – commenting on suspension prior to VolNation match, Season 6 – August 2009

[i]“Freak stuff like that happens all the time. I’m a big boy and VolNation are too classy an organization to go on a headhunting spree. I was going hard in on goal and twisted my ankle on a grass chip taken out of the field. The guy tackling on me – I think it was Red Moreno, don’t recall for sure – was playing it all positional, clean and good. No hard feelings.”[/i] – discounting he was a VolNation target for retaliatory injuries, Season 6 – September 2009

[i]TRANSVALER DAAGLIKSE SPORTNUUS[/i] – November 2009
After the final whistle, tough guy Detlef Botha had to be restrained by stewards after he chirped his displeasure over the biased refereeing, threatening to go headhunting in their next meeting. “Keep your head up next time, Chuckles…” he was overheard taunting an unidentified Swamplandia player. “We can't do anything about their cyclopsian referees, but if that circus outfit wants to bring in a bunch of clowns to referee, then don't be surprised if a gong show breaks out next time around” said the obviously agitated midfielder.

[i]“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.”[/i] – the legendary Dick Witchge on Detlef Botha, December 2009

[i]“This is a team which has faced a lot of obstacles over the years, started down relegation, and always been downplayed by other clubs. You know, it might have been a loss for us today – but it is just one loss, and I think our league has gained so much today from this one win by Swamplandia. This is a good day for the league.”[/i] – Detlef Botha on Swamplandia Sinners winning their first championship.

[i]“Holten is one of the hardest keepers around to read reactions, sometimes with him it just boils down to luck”[/i] – Detlef Botha on Claus Holten of 1984 Duckies FC

[i]"Well I think it's hard to look past Detlef Botha for all round performance [For best player in the Liga 10]. They've been some excellent players in the form of Maddison and Lois Luis again, but they've not been able to rally their teams and effect their team's position as much as Detlef has."[/i] - Cyphon88, Manager of Templar Forsworn

[b]FEBRUARY 20, 2011 - Growing Pains Hurt ALDM[/b]

With the addition of four new faces to the first team, ALDM is feeling the growing pains. The Primera Liga is a league of margins and match ups, and if new players are inserted into the lineup-things might get alittle shaky. Cato Calderon knows just that.

Calderon is confident in the starting eleven, since he praises his club in training and that the Ninos will, "Return to form shortly". The new signings have not done much, Alejo seems to be in the only bright spot out of this transfer season. The new additions this season have yet to record a point, leaving many to speculate the transfers.

Calderon insists that the transfers are defintely 'project players' and will make an impact in the coming seasons. Tezcacoatl Palamíñho, an ALDM academy attendee, has returned to form and is looking to make an impact in the next match. Palaminho has yet to record a point this season, as he is known to get points when it matters.

It looks like ALDM will continue to fight the uphill battle, but the real question is-will they survive the relegation crisis?

[b]FEBRUARY 25, 2011 - Keville run out of superlatives[/b]

Kevodian commentators this week ran out of superlatives as the team kept up its good form in the Tercera, beating struggling Atlético Vinilandês 7-1 at a packed Wooley Drive Stadium. Teigh McPie started the fun with a long range wondergoal in the 4th, before Allan MacKean made it 2 in the 6th minute. As with previous routings of witless Tercera oppositions, Keville ran amok in the early part of the match, although Vinlandes were marginally more effective than last week. Teigh McPie grabed his second in the 27th with another long range effort, before Matias Cardoso managed to grab one back for the visitors. David McMuffin then popped up to make it 4-1 at the other end, before McPie picked up a knock and had to be taken off, being replaced by Arnie Leonard. In the second half there was still time for veteran Seymore Lewis to score a brace, with a spectacular 59th minute header then a penalty to make it 6 in the 71st. The crowd chanted 'we want 7' and David McMuffin gave them just that in the 91st, completing his own brace, a game that included 3.

Manager Alan Farcrew commented that he couldn't be happier about the team's recent performance as Keville campaigned to get out of the Tercera. He added 'With three teams just 3 points behind us we're going to have to be very careful we don't slip up and undo all our good work. Estrella Roja better be watching out next week!'. Keville visit Estrella, another team campaigning hard to get out of the division, next week, while the Tercera race is shaping up as a very competitive one.

Also, a sportsmans dinner will be held at the Us Social Club on 4th March to celebrate the 100th appearences for United of Ted Rotenston and Allan MacKean, as wel as that of Gus Harkness four weeks ago. Guest speakers will include M. Y. Opia of the Kevodian Referees Association, and Kevodia manager Ron Bassetson, who is expected to talk about just what he's doing at the moment since international football has dried up. Tickets are K£15, from the social club reception.[/color]

[Cataduanes]

Wow it looks like it will be your season of glory Botha