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World Cup referee sees no future without VAR

Mar 17, 2023

After years of officiating many big games, Victor Gomes pulls out the retirement card following the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

"The dream started when I was only a child," he said on Marawa Sports Worldwide.

Now that he’s finally achieved his goal of officiating for the World Cup he can finally retire and spend time with his family.

The South African said that he made his decision together with his wife during his 8-hour flight.

“I believe I've been better than those who have come before me and I want others to come to also do better than me.

Football is in my blood, I will leave the field but I will still contribute towards lifting the SA's flag high."

Victor’s achievements

• During the 2012/13 and 2017/18 PSL season, the renowned South African referee was voted referee of the season.
• Gomes officiated the France and Australia group stage match where France was victorious 4-1 during the FIFA World Cup
• Japans debatable win against Spain early December 2022 during their group stage in the World Cup
• Officiated the 2021 AFCON final between Egypt and Senegal
• I Ahly and Wydads match in the CAF Champions League final

The derby between Pirates and Chiefs was his final South African match before taking off to Qatar.

SAFA decided to appoint Victor to be a Chairperson on the National Referees Committee mid-February this year. Since then he has pursued the possibility of introducing VAR in SA soccer matches.

Taking over from SAFA vice-president Natasha Tsichlas, Gomes directive is to implement VAR.

"I want to thank SAFA and especially the president [Danny Jordaan] for the trust entrusted on me with this appointment," said Gomes following the announcement.

"I will put the same commitment in this job with the same professionalism I showed during my days as the referee," he added, saying implementing VAR was one of the priorities he would be tasked with, according to the SAFA website.

The 40-year old spoke to Robert Marawa on #MSW on Wednesday night explaining that they are busy laying the ground work to implement VAR in upcoming soccer SA matches.

“We need the training first of all. There is a 32 page document for the requirements of VAR. We are busy with the budgets for VAR and we are going through the document. Every game needs to be treated as if it is going to be televised. It’s not fair to have the televised games with VAR and the others not.

We need to check each stadium and it’s something that doesn’t happen overnight. We need to look at where the central hub is going to be that all the feeds go to. There is consultation with other FA’s that have implemented this but it’s not a simple process at all.”

How long will until we see VAR hit South African Soccer fields? Will all stadiums be equipped to handle the infrastructure?

Watch the interview below

This clubs unbeaten run might surprise you

Mar 10, 2023

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At the start of the 22-23 Premier League season, Brentford hasn’t had it easy. Winning only 2 out of

their first 10 games and drawing 4. Only managing to score 10 points landed them in 11th place. One

position better than the previous season

Since late Oct last year, the Bees have managed to keep a clean scorecard, placing them at 9th place on

the table.

Thomas Frank’s side managed to beat the likes of Man City, West Ham, and Liverpool winning 6 out of

their last 12 games. In the last dozen fixtures, Brentford has scored 22 goals, conceded 11, and won 23

points in the process.

The Bees haven’t been the only team this season who have gone with a clean scorecard.

Newcastle is the team who have kept the season high with 17 fixtures. Between February and

September, the Magpies went without a single loss.

From the 6 leading teams in the PL, theres only one that has the right to say they’ve beaten the Bees

unbeaten streak. Arsenal’s streak started with Brentford and carried on for several months. It shockingly

ended with a 1-0 loss at the Goodison Park Stadium early February against Everton.

Last season’s winner started the new season off strong. City went on an unbeaten streak for 9 games,

scoring 23 points. Placing 2nd on the table, Man City conceded 33 goals.

Guardiola’s side went through 12 matches unbeaten in the previous season.

From the start of the season until September 17th, Spurs kept their sheet clean for 7 games.

Unfortunately losing to the table leaders 3-1.

From early September until late Oct, Chelsea went 6 games unbeaten.

Topping out at 5 games unbeaten, Man United and Liverpool tie.

Putting Brentford unbeaten streak into further context, one team from Bundesliga and one from Ligue 1

are the only other teams to avoid league loss in 2023

It's also safe to say that Brentford can brag about having the most consistent penalty taker amongst their players. Ivan Toney has kept a perfect score since his team entered the top 10. Toney has scored 10 goals from all 10 penalties that he took.

Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Touré is the only one who has a better score than Toney with 11 goals from his penalties.

Out of his 55 Premier League matches, Toney scored 27 goals of which 22 of those goals were penalties.

Will Saturday’s game against Everton bring Brentford unbeaten streak to a standstill? Place your bet on Betway!

Man United struggling to keep players on the field

Mar 1, 2023

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After their match against Nottingham Forest, Anthony Martial sustained a hip injury which he is still recovering from. He was cleared to play in their match against Palace beginning of Feb. After another apparent injury he, unfortunately, missed the game.

Muscular issues have been the prominent reason why Martial has missed the last 18 games.

Ten hang said: “He is not always available. Also, I see the other side of when he is available, and he has never been 100 percent this season. But he has a big impact every time he is available, even when he is at 80, 85, or 90 percent. So, we do everything, and Anthony Martial is doing everything.

Anthony Martial I think is the player who spends the most hours at Carrington this season, to return, to recover, to get back. It is really such a pity for him and us. He is disappointed, and he is not always available like we want him to be. That will improve our game because routines cannot continue when you are not always available.”

Ten Hag also added that Luke Shaw and Fred are unlikely to make their match tomorrow.

2 Other players have been sidelined with long-term injuries.

The 25-year-old Donny van de Beek sustained a knee injury in their match against Bournemouth on January 3^rd, after challenging their midfielder, Senesi.

Also, out for the count is Christian Eriksen. The midfielder has made 31 appearances this season but sustained an ankle injury against Reading in the FA Cup.

We will see the return of Tyrell Malacia and Marcel Sabitzer for the starting XI. Harry Maquire, Victor Lindehof and Jadon Sancho will also be considered for the starting line tomorrow.

Even with the unfortunate news, Man United are still seen as the favorites in their match against the Hammers tomorrow.

In their last 6 meetings, United has been victorious.

Will United break the tie in tomorrow’s match? Sign up and place your bet with Betway.

5 THINGS WE’VE LEARNED FROM THIS WEEKEND’S PL MATCHES

Feb 22, 2023

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Son Heung-min showcases why he is an important asset

This season Spurs have shown us their good and bad performances all at the same time. Heung-min presented another reason this weekend why he deserves the spotlight.

Spurs battled West Ham this past weekend with a victory of 2-0. The South Korean footballer replaced Richarlison 23 min into the second half. He smashed a goal into the back of the net merely 4 min later.

Heung-min has scored 5 goals and has assisted 3 times in the 22-23 Premier League season. Spurs are also constantly showing their support for Son as he deals with a lot of online racism abuse.

Reputation doesn’t warrant victories

Over the last decade, Man City have risen above and shown us that winning the PL trophy is quite an easy task for them, having won it 6 times under the management of Pep Guardiola.

City’s reputation puts doubt in the mind of the opposition before they even step out onto Etihad turf. This all changed his weekend with a serious blow from Nottm Forest, keeping City from potentially knocking Arsenal off the throne. Dominant possession needs to be turned into serious wins or they can kiss the trophy goodbye this season.

Big spender squad lack management

Chelsea also played a losing game with a potentially relegated team. No one is single-handedly responsible for The Blue’s struggles. Many argue that the team is underperforming, while some say that the owner was appointed without adequate information about the players.

Inevitably, Potter gets dealt the shorthand and must bear the brunt of reproval. Being defeated by Southampton has raised some questions as to whether he is the best man for the job. If Potter wants to keep his role something needs to take a turn for the better.

Ten Hag is working his magic

Before joining the Red Devils a year ago, Hag said that a 'manager can't work magic'. Having won the most Premier League titles, United are bringing their A-game this season. Defeating Leicester this past weekend has shown just that.

Rashford scored 2 out of the 3 goals. This ensured that the Red Devils moved up the table, with only 3 points separating them and City.

With 15 matches to go, Man City losing their cool and Arsenal lacking consistency, winning this year’s title might not be such a far-fetched reality for them.

Leeds struggling with appointing new management

Jesse Marsch stepped down as Leeds manager following a poor run of results. Marsch was appointed last year and signed a three-year deal but got sacked just short of a year in charge.

Looking lost on the field, players have been under the supervision of Michael Skubala for a full 2 weeks. Unsure staff are seen walking around not being able to implement their tactics to full extent, hoping a new manager will walk through the doors.

The search continues for a new coach, and warning signs can be seen leading Leeds for relegation if this mess isn’t sorted out.

Who are you backing this weekened? Place your bet with Betway and get a 100% match of up to R1000

Premier League – Game week 23

Feb 15, 2023

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Leicester v Spurs

The Fox’s victory against Tottenham ended their 4 consecutive PL defeats.

Not even 4 min after kick-off, the first yellow card was awarded to Bentancur. A free kick is allocated to the hosts.

Yellow card receiver, Rodrigo, puts Spurs in the lead from a corner not even 10min later.

Mendy levels the playing field with a goal into the roof of the net. Forster stood no chance with this superb goal from the midfielder.

2 min later, the hosts level up as Iheanacho turns and passes the ball to Maddison before Forster could find his line.

Just before the halftime whistle blows, Fox striker, Kelechi scores after his assist earlier in the match, giving the hosts some breathing room.

The Nigerian footballer scores another goal, but an off-side decision is made after a VAR review in the 72nd min.

The King Power stadium erupts in cheer as Barnes right-footed a goal with an assist from Maddison.

Another attempt was made by Barnes soon after his first, but it narrowly misses the top corner.

After 6 min of extra time, The Foxes move up the PL table, one point deficit to Crystal Palace.

Man City v Aston Villa

In their last 12 matches, City have walked away with the victory in their back pocket

4 changes have been made by Guardiola since their last meeting with Spurs. Dias is seen making his first return since the World Cup. Lewis, Ake, Alvarez, and Akanji all take a seat while Laporte, De Bruyne and Gundogan are sent onto the pitch to represent.

Emery only makes one change in central defense as Tyrone Mings is replaced by Chambers

After 4 min, Etihad erupts as Rodri headers the ball to the back of the net with an assist from Mahrez.

Haaland races to the goal post but can’t quite take the shot. He drives a low cross for the midfielder and Gundogan slams the ball home from close range.

City’s lead gets extended as Mahrez uses a penalty just before halftime.

With a burst of speed, Watkins seizes the ball from Silva on the halfway line. He then strikes the ball into the bottom-left corner putting Villa on the score board.

Tottenham v City – Sunday match quick overview

Feb 10, 2023

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After losing against the Spurs last Sunday, City has been slapped with fines from Premier League over financial irregularities.

Last month Tottenham was left disappointed after losing 4-2 at Etihad.

Even after Kulusevski and Emerson snuck 2 goals in before half time, City doubled Spurs score sheet before the final whistle.

Spurs have stood home ground in the last 3 matches against Man City.

There has only been 2 other times where City have lost 4 away games in a row and that was against Chelsea and Sunderland.

Since their last match against the Gunners, City has made 4 changes.

Walker replaced John Stones in the backline, due to an injury.
De Bruyne is benched as Silva returns to the line-up.
Alvarez, Grealish, Mahrez and Haaland all get the nod in the final third.
Phil Foden seems to have no space on the bench.

Early in the game City starts getting into their rhythm and Spurs seem to be lost.

In the 15^th min, Kane fires Spurs ahead. The only goal to be scored in the 90min game.

Kane makes history and becomes Tottenham’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 267 goals.

He also scores his 200^th goal in the Premier League.

Man City to go to Supreme Court to get cleared of all charges

For the past four years, there has been an ongoing investigation by the Premier League against City.

On Monday it was announced that the Citizens is now being charged with a series of financial offenses.

These charges are related to information concerning their revenue, manager and player salaries, UEFA regulations, profitability, sustainability and co-operation with the PL investigation.

City seemed to be surprised at the Premier League accusations and released a statement a few hours after.

"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

If City is found guilty of these breaches they could face transfer bans, expulsion, point deductions and sanctions.

Reports by The Sun have stated that City is even considering going to High Court or Supreme Court to get cleared of these charges.

Currently Peps side is sitting in second place on the table, 5 points behind Arsenal.

How will the allegations effect The Citizens next match? Check out their odds on Betway.

LIVERPOOL LOSES OUT ON FA CUP TITLE

Feb 2, 2023

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Liverpool’s defeat against Brighton cost them a place in the 5^th round of the FA Cup. It hasn’t even been 2 weeks since their last hiding from The Seagulls. They lost the match 3-0 in the EPL.

This weekend’s match saw the Reds struggling to hold onto their only goal by striker Harvey Elliot. Not long after, Brighton leveled the playing field as Lewis Dunk deflected the ball into the goal post.

Kaoru Mitoma’s goal in extra time pushed Brighton into a victory, securing them a chance for the FA cup.

Jurgens Klopp’s rotten campaign is spelling disaster for the manager’s career with Liverpool 9^th on the EPL table.

A few months back no one would’ve guessed that the Reds would only have won 1 out of their last 6 fixtures.

With this turn of events, it means that Liverpool will only have a chance at the Championship League trophy this year.

In the 21-22 season, Liverpool managed to walk away with FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield cup under their belt.

Over Klopp’s Liverpool years, he has been compensated well for their successes. He also penned down a contract extension back in April. This will see him manage the first team until the summer of the 2026 season.

Klopp was interviewed post-Brighton FA Cup in a press conference.

"I didn’t become a bad manager overnight. I was never as good as people probably said or not as bad as some people might think," he said after Sunday's defeat.

"But imagine if you were here today talking to another coach of Liverpool because last season we’d won all four trophies and I said ‘see you later, holiday!’ “Imagine if you see a different face and he has to explain these things and he tells you how it is. Nobody would listen!”

"They’d say last season was great and this year is not great - so go! You have to have wide shoulders and really just take it. It’s tough, I’m sorry. But we will go for it with all we have to get out of it and then play in a way that the people can’t wait to go to the stadium again."

Liverpool will be traveling back to Molineux for their match against the Wolves on Saturday.

As the FA Cup is well out of their grasp and the Premier League title seems to be a lost cause too, The Reds will have to give their undivided attention to the Champions League round of 16. This makes it crucial for Liverpool to give it their all. They are currently tied with Read Madrid.

Brighton will face their next opponents on Monday in the 5^th round. This could possibly be their first major trophy in club history

Does Liverpool have a chance at the Champions League Trophy? Place your bet with Betway!

FRANK LAMPARDS DISMISSAL PUTTING EVERTON UP FOR POSSIBLE RELEGATION BATTLE

Jan 25, 2023

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After being in charge for less than a year, Frank Lampard has been sacked by Everton’s management. Following Rafael Benitez dismissal in January 2022, the former Chelsea boss leaves Everton in 19^th place on the Premier League table.

The Bees manager, Thomas Frank has been rumored to be the forerunner for the potential replacement.

When asked if he will ever move he replied that the is happy with his role at Brentford

The Blues have suffered nine losses in the last 12 games. Scraping together only a mere 5 points. Recently losing to fellow potential relegated team West Ham, 2-0.

In January, Farhad Moshiri was spotted attending his first match in 15 months at the Goodison park. Later on, when he was asked his opinion if Lampard needs to be shown the door he replied: “I can’t comment. It’s not my decision,”

Everton has played 20 games this premier league season, accumulating only 15 points overall, winning 3 games at best. Setting them in 19^th place with Southampton 5 points below them.

Recent rumors have suggested the potential release of Lampards duties. Official confirmation was released by the HQ on Monday.

Other prospective managers who have made it on the list include Sean Dyche and Marcelo Bielsa. Wayne Rooney has also been considered

The Blues have steadily declined over the past 8 years. Lampard insisted that no quick fixes were available after their defeat by the Hammers.

“It’s a big job. I knew that when I came in as we were already looking at a relegation battle,” Lampard told BBC Sport.

“I don’t think when you’ve made steps downwards over the years it is a case of being able to turn that instantly, that’s naive.

“History moves and there is nothing in this league which gives you a right to do anything. We have seen huge football clubs go down and come back up.

“It is all about the moment and how you try to move forward as a club and if you don’t do that then you will come into tough times.

“It’s maybe normal we are fighting again. It is impossible for me to jump into the future. There a long time to go this season and we have to try to turn the corner.”

When asked his comment, Paul Merson from Sky Sports said that doesn’t believe Lampard has lost the players dedication. However, he did mention that player quality is definitely being questioned.

Will Everton be able to win their next game without Lampards input? Decide Evertons fate this coming Saturday on Betway

Mudryks Chelsea Squad Transfer

Jan 16, 2023

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How can a player’s transfer be so much since his last transfer was less the £1 million?

The Ukrainian football player has been reported to be “the best in Europe in his position”. In the earlier Championship League group stages, he displayed his speed and one-on-one ability.

The 21-year-old has long been considered a player of great potential ever since he started in the Metalist Kharkiv’s academy. He later then moved to Dnipro and then started playing for Shakhtar in 2016. It took longer than most expected for him to start flaunting his colors.

At the age of 17, Shakhtar’s former manager saw his potential and signed him into the first-team fold, handing him his senior debut in 2018.

He clearly has a lot of talent but sometimes his attitude causes a few uncertainties.

Shakhtar captain Taras Stepanenko mentioned that: "He sometimes didn't hear what the coach said to him,". After a friendly against Azerbaijani in early 2019, Fonseca also said: "Mykhailo scored today, but he still has a lot to learn," he said. "I am definitely convinced by his talent, but first of all, he must understand that he still has a lot of ways he can improve… he has to change his attitude a bit on the pitch."

Chelsea’s speedy signage has come with a very clever reason.

Firstly, players who are 21 and under qualify over and above the max squad player limit of 25. But of course, for the next season, a plan will have to be made.

Premier league rules read: "Under-21 players are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players per squad. Each player is assigned a squad number, which they wear during Premier League matches. For the 2022/23 campaign Under-21 players will have been born on or after 1 January 2001."

Mudryk was born on January 5 2001

Secondly, Chelsea is protecting itself by amortization. Instead of breaching FFP, they are paying £40 million which will appear on the 2023 record, and then installments will be paid over six-and-a-half-years. These are the rules for transfers 21 and under.

This cost-effective exercise is helping Chelsea not TO pay a lump sum release clause up front, protecting them for a couple of years.

This shows that The Blues are doing a lot of clever planning, pulling the right strings, and identifying smart deals.

As for Mykhailo’s future pays lip, it was stated that Chelsea was prepared to double Arsenal’s offer.

FA Cup Third Round

Jan 11, 2023

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From the penalty spot Rashford scores to make the score 3-1

Everton had to suffer a minor setback as the first goal was scored within 3 minutes by Anthony.

After fighting back for 13 minutes, Conor Coady pushed back with an equalizer.

From there it only went downhill as Conor Coady even managed to score for both teams.

With this steady progression from United they are hoping to see the latter stages of the FA cup. Having won the cup 12 times and recently in the 2015/16 season

The match finished with a 3-1 for United with Anthony returning from his minor injury in the next game.

The first goal gets scored by a free-kick from Mahrez who finds the corner of the net from 23 meters away.

City manages to double their score 6 min later as Alvarez just manages to score home

The Blues goalkeeper managed to deflect a free-kick from Mahrez only 7 min later but at the 38-minute mark midfielder, Phil Foden scored with a left-footer.

Chelsea is grappling to even record a single goal in the first half. But will all their struggling efforts even make a difference in the second half for Potters team?

64 minutes in and Chelsea still isn’t on the board. The pressure from the hosts in combination with no willingness for the ball is holding them back.

Mahrez strikes right into the roof of the net and quadruples Cities score during the 85 minute period

Zakaria prevents Mahrez from scoring a hattrick 2 min later and drains all hope for Chelsea to score before the final whistle.

Liverpool v Wolves

Saturday’s third round sees a replay forced for the FA Cup after an exciting encounter at Anfield.

Premier League golden glove winner, Alisson, terribly gives the ball away putting the Yellow Hornets in the lead after a home tap from Goncalo Guedes.

The Reds leveled with a classy left-footer from Darwin. Salah edged them forwards with a goal at 52 min.

Right off the bench, Hwang Hee-chan evened the scores, the ball ricocheting in off his side

Brilliant score by Toti 8 minutes before the last whistle. But to no avail, as Nunes’ corner wasn’t clear enough for it to count. Even after a retake of the goal, Hwang’s attempt was deflected by a backheel flick from The Reds center-back.

Category: Soccer

World Cup referee sees no future without VAR

This clubs unbeaten run might surprise you

Man United struggling to keep players on the field

5 THINGS WE’VE LEARNED FROM THIS WEEKEND’S PL MATCHES

Premier League – Game week 23

Tottenham v City – Sunday match quick overview

LIVERPOOL LOSES OUT ON FA CUP TITLE

FRANK LAMPARDS DISMISSAL PUTTING EVERTON UP FOR POSSIBLE RELEGATION BATTLE

Mudryks Chelsea Squad Transfer

Image Credit: Skysports.com

FA Cup Third Round

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