Countdown To 2010 #11: What A Shambles

South African based Manchester City fan, Mainer sent us the following.

New manager's unbeaten run!

The last two of South Africa's early summer warm up games resulted in atrocious draws, both 0-0 against Japan and the might of Jamaica. This at least leaves the returning Coach Parreira undefeated, but the manner in which the side played leaves much room for discontent.

If one adds last months two games against Norway and Iceland, Bafana have now gone ten hours since they last scored and even that goal came against Madagascar, who are so low in the world rankings they are almost off the scale.

The heralded return of Benni McCarthy turned out as expected - unfit, overweight and substituted both times, and now with only just over 200 days to go their options are looking very bleak.

As in all host countries the early exit of the home side can have a decided impact on attendances and interest and it is, it's a tad desirable that Bafana can progress at least beyond the group stages. A favourable draw on December 4th in Capetown is most definately required.

Many letters to the papers here regarding the literally hundreds of exposed cases of pre World Cup fraud and profiteering, and that's despite FIFA sanctions. Beware of fake World Cup memorabilia and ticket scalpers.

Athletics South Africa has now had their whole Board suspended over the Caster Semanya gender scandal. The ousted boss, Leonard Chuene - he who lied through his teeth regarding the tests has now stated that he will take the SA Olympic Board to court. He won't win, simples!

As reported in my WC Countdown #10 article, the CEO of Eskom (state electricity supplier) was fired last week by the Managing Director Bobby Godsell - a well respected businessman and ex-head of Anglo American. President Zuma then had a closed doors meeting with Godsell which resulted in Godsell resigning and the CEO being reinstated. However, the rest of the Board stood by Godsell, resulting in the returning CEO but only to find his office locked and a new man was appointed to the position.

Now, bereft of a Chairman, the Minister for Power asked Godsell to reconsider but he declined. Our electrical future is looking bleak, very bleak indeed.

At recent investigations into corruption amongst government departments, based on money found missing during annual audits, it was revealed that the most corrupt Department was (shockingly), the Ministry of Justice. However, they can now rest a little easier as yesterday, an audit of the Directorate of Correctional Services (Prisons) revealed that they have left Justice trailing in their wake with billions disappearing. Of all the major criminal activities here - murder, rape, hi - jacking etc, only about 6% ever make it to court, and of that 6% approximately 10% result in conviction - and a fair percent of that are overturned on appeal.

Keep your hands on your wallets lads.

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