TIME TO GO, MR WENGER! . . . AND SO TOO FOR CHELSEA’S ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS

THERE has been a great deal of speculation recently in both the English Premier League and PSL regarding the futures of certain coaches. This leads one to believe that there will, indeed, be a few casualties in the weeks ahead. Although Andre VillasBoas (AVB) and Arsene Wenger got a bit of a breather this weekend with wins against Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, you sense that won’t be enough to appease their fans and bosses.

Yes, it’s widely publicised that Wenger has the backing of the owners while AVB constantly reminds us that owner Roman Abramovich is behind him and his three-year plan for the club.

But, as it stands both these teams are fighting for what appears to be one remaining Champions League spot.

Failure to secure that spot will not only have a massive financial impact on the club but could also likely result in the loss of top quality players who will seek greener pastures, as has happened in the past.

Personally, I don’t think it would be in the best interests of either of these clubs to sack their coaches at this point in the season, but I do believe that it is time for Arsene Wenger to step aside.

Arsenal needs a new purely-football-minded manager to take over the reins, keep hold of top quality players such as Robin van Persie and spend money on established players for key areas such as defence and midfield.

This will go a long way in helping the club win some sort of silverware.

I’m not convinced, and never have been really, that AVB is the right man for Chelsea and I think that that has sort of played itself out this season.

He appears to be out of his depth, does not have the respect and support of his players, many ageing it must be said, and looks unlikely to win the League or Champions League anytime soon. IN THE PSL, Owen da Gama’s days appear to be numbered at Platinum Stars and although I rate him highly as a coach, he hasn’t produced the results at a club rich in resources.

I do hope he isn’t sacked, but with Ruud Krol (known to have a good relationship with former Orlando Pirates administrator and now Platinum Stars chairman, Floyd Mbele) lurking in the background, it seems very likely da Gama will be unemployed really soon.

Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal is under immense pressure as well and we all know how impatient Irvin Khoza is and can be, so don’t be too surprised if the Brazilian is given his marching orders in the not-too-distant future. HATS off to the Investec SA women’s hockey team for making our country extremely proud at the Olympic qualifiers in India this past week.

Their determination, passion and desire to win that ticket to London was evident in every single game they played.

Prior to their departure for India, they knew exactly what they wanted to achieve and they secured their spot at the London Olympics.

I have no doubt our ladies will be working intensely in the upcoming months to give a good account of themselves in London against the world’s very best women’s hockey teams.