Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Tendai Ndoro is on a roll

Tendai Ndoro is on a roll. First it was a hat trick and now its a brace!

Ndoro netted twice to help Orlando Pirates secure a 2-1 away win at
Ajax Cape Town. He opened the scoring in the 36th minute tapping into
an open net after Brandon Petersen failed to gather Mpho Makola's
through ball.

Ndoro completed his brace less than a minute later; running onto a
perfectly weighted pass from Oupa Manyisa before providing a cool
finish for his fifth goal in two league games.

Even though Ajax replied with a goal of their own, Pirates held on to
keep their 100% winning streak intact.

Meanwhile in the Uefa Champions League, Barcelona opened their group
stage campaign in fine fashion as Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and
Neymar assisted on four goals in a 7-0 thrashing of Celtic at the Camp
Nou.

Absa Premiership results
Ajax Cape Town 1 Orlando Pirates 2
Polokwane City 0 Bidvest Wits 0
Highlands Park 2 Baroka 1

Uefa Champions League results
Barcelona 7 Celtic 0
Benfica 1 Besiktas 1
Dynamo Kiev 1 Napoli 2
FC Basel 1 Ludogorets 1
Bayern Munich 5 Rostov 0
PSV 0 Atletico Madrid 1
PSG 1 Arsenal 1

Tuesday, 13 September 2016

#Uefa Champions League group stages return

European nights are back!

The Uefa Champions League group stage has finally dawned upon us with
cracking matches scheduled for tonight.

Real Madrid will begin the defence of the title they bagged after
dislodging Madrid neighbours Atletico with a home match against
Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.

Good news for Real fans is the return of the charismatic Cristiano
Ronaldo. Ronaldo was groomed through Sporting's academy before being
signed by Manchester United in 2003.

But the action begins tonight with one of the exciting scheduled
fixtures pitting Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. The two giants
were only separated after a nail biting penalty shootout last season
in the group stages.

Following their surprise defeat to Alaves, La Liga champions Barcelona
host Scottish champions Celtic and will remember well their 2-1 loss
to the same opposition in 2012. There should be no slip-ups this time,
particularly as Lionel Messi looks to be back to full fitness.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, smart from their Manchester derby
win, host German side Borussia Monchengladbach while Arsenal travel to
the French capital to face Paris St Germain.

Bayern Munich have a fairly easy assignment against Rostov with
Benfica welcoming Turkish outfit Besiktas.

Amanda du-Pont shoe range selling like hot cakes

It seems like whatever Amanda du-Pont touches turns to gold.

Her new shoe line, which she did in collaboration with Footwork, seems
to be selling quickly off the shelves.

Launched just at the beginning of September, Footwork X Amanda range
was designed by Amanda, after Footwork approached her about
collaborating with them.

"50 percent of my shoe range has been pre sold. It's not even out on
shelves. Legit crying and so touched. I don't know what to say except
thank you!! Humbled by the support. Footwork x Amanda du-Pont #blessed
#highlyfavoured #summerrange @footwork_za," the 28 year old wrote on
social media.

The shoes are available online from Zando, Spree and Superbalist, and
in shops from Stuttafords, Grand Shoe and Kingsmead, as well as some
other independent boutiques, the 'Skeem Saam' actress's broad range of
shoes includes heels, flats, and sneakers.

Monday, 12 September 2016

Cassper Nyovest set to fill up the Dome

anticipation builds for the MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016
(MAMA), MTV Base (DStv channel 322) has revealed that South African
Hip-Hop "game changer" Cassper Nyovest and Tanzanian Bongo Flava star
Ali Kiba will perform at the glittering, sixth edition of the
pan-African awards show.

The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016, brought to you by
Joburg Tourism in partnership with Absolut Vodka and Google and in
association with MTN and DStv, will take place at The Ticketpro Dome,
Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday 22 October 2016.

Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director,
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN Africa), "It is a huge
thrill to welcome these major stars from East Africa and South Africa
to the MAMA stage, as they showcase their amazing talent to millions
of music fans across the continent and internationally."

Echoing his 2015 triumph, former MAMA winner Nyovest (Best Hip Hop,
MAMA 2015) will take to the stage at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg
and MAMA-newcomer Ali Kiba. They join previously announced performers
Yemi Alade, Nasty C and Babes Wodumo as the MAMA is staged for the
first time ever in Johannesburg.

Highlighting the "gold standard" in contemporary music, creativity and
achievement, The MTV Africa Music Awards Johannesburg 2016 promises to
be the biggest and best ever, with more than 15,000 fans expected to
fill out the Ticketpro Dome for the joyous celebration. Tickets for
the awards are on sale now priced ZAR 250 (standing only) via
www.ticketpros.co.za, and at Ticketpro retail outlets or dealers.
Over 18s only.

The definitive annual celebration of African and international talent
and achievement, MAMA 2016 recognises and rewards musicians and
achievers who have made the most impact on African music and youth
culture over the previous year. The ceremony will feature stunning
performances from African and international artists along with the
show's signature cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.

Sunday, 11 September 2016

Angelique Kerber claims US Open title to go top of women's rankings

Angelique Kerber won the US Open on Saturday, marking her rise to
world No 1 with a gritty victory over Karolina Pliskova for her second
Grand Slam title of the year.

Germany's Kerber, the second seed, rallied from a break down in the
third set to beat the hard-hitting 10th-seeded Czech 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

She added the US Open crown to the Australian Open title she claimed
in January, breaking Pliskova at love to cap the triumph.

"Amazing to win a second Grand Slam in one year," Kerber said. "It's
the best year of my career.

"It all started for me here in New York five years ago when I reached
the semifinals and now I am here with the trophy," she added. "It's
incredible."

The 28-year-old, who beat Serena Williams in the final at Melbourne
and lost to the US great in the Wimbledon final, will officially rise
to world No 1 on Monday.

Thursday, 8 September 2016

#SuperSport lines up Super Saturday

Twelve hours, and potentially more, of top back-to-back sports action
lie in wait for sports fans on SuperSport on Saturday.

Major rugby, soccer and tennis dominate the schedule, but the
Paralympics from Rio will also be broadcast through the night to
ensure there's something for everyone on the TV menu.

World Cup champions New Zealand open their Rugby Championship account
against Argentina (SS1, 9.30am), followed at midday by Australia
against South Africa from Brisbane (SS1).

The soccer then comes thick and fast with the great Manchester derby –
United against City – live from 1.30pm on SS3. There are many
storylines in this appetising fixture, not least of which is the clash
of flamboyant managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

And then, at 4pm, fans can choose between Arsenal-Southampton (SS3)
and Real Madrid-Osasuna (SS12).

At 5pm the table-topping Sharks and Cheetahs meet in an intriguing
Currie Cup clash (SS1).

Soccer action comes roaring back at 6.30pm with Liverpool against
Leicester marking the opening of the new Anfield (SS3), followed at
8.30pm by Barcelona versus Alaves (SS12) and, closer to home, Wits
against Cape Town City in the MTN 8 (SS4).

The women's US Open final takes place at Flushing Meadows where Serena
Williams will potentially threaten for a staggering seventh singles
crown (SS6, 10pm).

For late-night owls, the Paralympics action is bound to be riveting
with the action scheduled for SS13 and SS14.

Wednesday, 7 September 2016

Here is something to crank about - the new #Datsun GO+

.......Drum beat......

The Datsun GO+ is here good people and this brilliant piece of smart
innovation is surely going to turn heads. Or should I say 'crank'
heads?

Its arrival in South Africa comes just after two years since the
introduction of the Datsun Go.

The Datsun GO+ was recently unveiled to an expectant crowd that
included the current hottest female rapper in Mzansi - Nadia Nakai,
Steven Lee Lewis, David Januari and Lil Red - at the Theatre of the
Track in Kyalami

This offers what its name implies – all the attributes that have made
the Datsun GO a best-seller amongst first-time car buyers, plus
features that will appeal to young, adventurous up-and-coming
motorists looking for a car that is flexible and will carry their
growing families in style.

Designed for the wider South African market, this sleek ride is
stylish, economic with multi-purpose flexibility.

Marking the launch of the Datsun GO+ in its two forms, a 5+2 -
versatile 7 seater MPV and panel van version, Mr Fenner, General
Manager of Datsun South Africa, said that these two new offerings
indicate Datsun's commitment to the market. The brand is determined to
expand its range to the benefit of local motorists by offering them a
growing family of Datsun products to meet the varying needs of the
local market.

The Datsun GO+ is powered by the tested, reliable and economical 1.2
litre petrol engine which produces 50kW at 4 000rpm, a power plant
that ensures steady performance in cities and on the open road. As
with Datsun's other models, the Datsun GO+ offers renowned fuel
efficiency, using a mere 5.2 litres per 100km, with the most appealing
maintenance costs and new parts basket in South Africa.

This is just one exciting car that motor enthusiasts will bow down to
in the not so distant future.

#FlavourTheMoment at Ipotsoyi with your favourite #Smirnoff flavours

Get ready to celebrate spring on the 11th of September with Smirnoff
and iPotsoyi Spring Festival

iPotsoyi, taking place at the Ostrich Ranch in Cape Town, is an
established urban outdoor music festival that blends Hip-Hop, House
and Afro House bringing Flavour to this picnic styled event. iPotsoyi
means "party", an opportunity to enjoy new experiences with new
friends that bring flavour to life.

As the headline sponsor of Ipotsoyi, Smirnoff, will be kicking off the
spring season with a burst of that kind of flavour. Smirnoff is
bringing its wide range of flavours that cater to any daytime occasion
straight to Ipotsoyi. These Smirnoff flavours, just like new
experiences with new friends, will allow you to #FlavourTheMoment.
Party-goers will be able to enjoy fan favourites such as Berry, Cherry
Almond, Citrus and Pineapple within the 1818 portfolio; Ginger &
Lemon, Pine Twist and Original within the Storm portfolio; and
long-standing fan-favourite, Smirnoff Spin.

Smirnoff is all about inclusivity and everyone's invited to enjoy the
Flavour at what has grown to be one of the biggest urban outdoor
events in the country.

Tuesday, 6 September 2016

South Africa's GDP grows by 3.3% #FNB

SA GDP rebounded strongly in the second quarter of 2016, accelerating
by 3.3% q/q saar from a –1.2% contraction in the first quarter.

There were encouraging rebounds in mining and manufacturing which
expanded 11.8% and 8.1% respectively, but the impact of the prolonged
drought remains evident, with agriculture contracting –0.8%, the sixth
consecutive quarterly pullback, but the sector appears to be turning
the corner.

The construction sector remains very weak, growing just 0.1% in 2Q16
and the outlook remains grim when digging through the gross fixed
capital formation numbers. Government (-8.9%), SOE (-5.4%) and private
business (-3.1%) investment all contracted, collectively delivering a
–4.6% q/q fall in capital investment. The weak investment environment
were reflected in the utilities sector which contracted by –1.8%, the
second consecutive fall.

The tertiary sector held up well in the face of higher inflation and
elevated interest rates with retail growing 1.4%, and finance,
real-estate and business services delivering a respectable 2.9% q/q.
The transport sector also bounced back robustly, growing 2.9% on
better mining and manufacturing volumes. This upturn was also evident
in the 18.1% acceleration in exports which bodes well for the current
account number due in the coming weeks.

Household expenditure, however, remains weak, growing just 1% q/q, and
the 3Q16 GDP number is unlikely to be half as good. That said, 2016
GDP growth could well surprise to the upside but may still not be
enough to avert a sovereign downgrade.

Lawrence Maleka scores Club 808 gig

Every Tuesday and Friday we look forward to the Powerball draw hoping
to get rich overnight by winning the jackpot. And the host just
motivates to keep trying.

While we heed his advice to phanda, pusha, play, Lawrence Maleka has
won himself a jackpot as he will be joining the sexy Boity Thulo as
the co-host of Club 808 on e.TV. His first gig is this Friday 9th
September at 6pm.

Club 808 is e.tv's premier music and youth lifestyle show which
features the best music and happenings in the world of entertainment.

Lawrence, who describes himself as a huge music fan, couldn't contain
his joy about joining the Club 808 family. And his worked with Boity
before.

"I'm very excited about joining the e.tv and Club 808 teams. One of my
first gigs in the industry was hosting a music show where Boity was a
frequent guest, so we go way back," says Maleka. "Viewers can expect
me to do what I always strive to do; the best I can. I hope to use my
knowledge of the local music industry to give Club 808 fans the inside
track".

Let's hope he will bring his dynamic personality to the show. I still
wonder what happened to Cyprian though?????