Coaching tug-of-war
A feud is brewing in Polokwane as two teams who are neighbours fight over a coach. Phakaaathi sources have revealed that Polokwane City have been asking around about Black Leopards’ coach’s availability after they lost Luc Eymael to Bloemfontein Celtic. Lidoda Duvha have been in fine form since Jean-Francois Losciuto took over towards the end of last year and have climbed up to second position in the National First Division. Losciuto was recommended to Leopards’ management by Eymael. “Leopards are unhappy that Polokwane are eyeing their coach and believe this could distract him. They want to win promotion to the big league and this is not good for their campaign,” said the source. Rise and Shine are said to be eyeing Losciuto for next season. Zimbabwe chasing Antipas
AmaZulu FC may lose coach Joey Antipas (above) who is tipped to take over the Zimbabwe national team for a second stint after Callisto Pasuwa’s resignation following the team’s dismal display at the Caf Africa Cup of Nations in January. Phakaaathi reported last year that Antipas was asked to replace Pasuwa before the Afcon but he refused as he felt he would be betraying his good friend (Pasuwa) who had done a good job to get the Warriors to qualify for the tournament. “They have called on him again and he is still to make up his mind. He has a good job at AmaZulu and has the support of the management who like him because of his youth philosophy,” said a source. Manyisa: I have let fans down
Word coming out of the Orlando Pirates camp is that captain Oupa Manyisa (above) is feeling he has failed the club’s fans with his performances after returning from a long-term injury. In the last few years, Manyisa was the pillar of the Pirates squad, but this has changed for the midfielder, with many criticising him. “We all know he has not been on his best form since returning from injury, but again he has not done so badly. He is putting himself under pressure because the fans have shown their frustrations with him,” said a source. “He lost his place in the national team and that again is something that is not sitting well with him. We at the team just hope he will bounce back.” Work your way up, says Jody
South African Under-23 goalkeeper Jody February (above) says youngsters should use junior tournaments to establish their careers. Ajax Cape Town Under-13s took part in the 18th edition of the Strandfontein tournament over the weekend where they lost 3-1 in the quarterfinals against Fish Hoek. February, now playing for the senior team, is a product of this tournament, and he urges those coming after him to do their best when such opportunities arise. “I am 20 and playing in the PSL. Not a lot of goalkeepers can say that. I came into the first team aged 18 as a fourth choice and I worked my way up,” he told the Ajax website.