Guardiola Leaves Barcelona

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. His assistant, Tito Vilanova, has been appointed as his successor.

Guardiola has enjoyed great success at the Camp Nou since he was promoted in the summer of 2008 from his role in charge of the Barcelona B side. Under his leadership, Barca won the league title in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Champions League in 2009 and 2011 and the Copa del Rey in 2009.

However, he has been loath to make a long-term commitment to Barca, signing only one-year contract extensions amid fears of burnout in the face of the intense pressure the role attracts.

Following a week in which Barca suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid - effectively ceding the title to their rivals - and then a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, Guardiola told the board that he was not prepared to extend his contract. The players were informed of his decision during training on Friday morning and a formal announcement followed in a press conference attended by Guardiola and the squad.

President Sandro Rosell introduced the conference by saying: "We have called you today to announce that Pep Guardiola will not continue in charge of the team next season.

"Thank you, Pep, for all the happiness you have brought us and for bringing a model of football that can never be questioned. The thanks from everybody at Barcelona will be eternal for the best manager in the history of the club."

Guardiola, who apologised for the uncertainty over his future in recent months, said his exit was the best thing for all parties.

"I would like you to understand that this is not an easy decision for me, but I would like to explain my reasons for this decision," he said. "I have always wanted short-term contracts. Four years is an eternity as Barca coach.

"In the month of October I announced to the president and to the sporting director that I thought my spell was coming to an end. The main reason I have taken this decision is because four years is many years.

"I have given everything and I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries. The demands have been great and I have not been able to rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging each other.

"I know that I'm leaving the best place to work in. I am very satisfied with the result we have achieved. I have had the great privilege of coaching fantastic players. I want to thank them."

Guardiola also dismissed suggestions he could take another job this summer. "Sooner or later I'll take up another coaching job, but not right now," he said.

Following Guardiola's speech, it was announced that Vilanova will take charge of the first-team next season.

Rosell hailed Guardiola's contribution and backed Vilanova to continue Barca's success.

"Pep always takes the best decision for this club," Rosell said. "It was his decision and it's a personal one and an understandable one. We hope to follow the inheritance that Pep leaves us with the best we can. He has made us proud.

"Now we can confirm that Tito Vilanova will be our new coach. This was a decision taken by Andoni Zubizarreta and it has been ratified today by our executive committee.

"Tito and Andoni will now work on next season's planning and I am sure they will do a good job."

Barca have successfully promoted several players from the B team during the Guardiola reign, and sporting director Zubizarreta said the appointment of Vilanova was a continuation of that approach.

"Tito represents the philosophy of the club," Zubizarreta said. "We've always said that if the team needs players, we look at home first. Who do we have here at home? Tito.''

Guardiola believes Vilanova will prove a successful appointment.

"I think the club has taken the best decision possible," Guardiola said. "He is more than capable. The players know him. He will make few changes. He will give the club and these players something that I thought I could no longer give.

"I could have continued but it is not what Barca would have deserved."

By ESPNsoccernet

UCHAMBUZI MICHEZONI :SABABU ZA BARCELONA KUSHUKA KIWANGO

Kila nabii ana nyakati yake , nyakati ambazo huanza taratibu na baada ya muda uwe mrefu au mfupi nyakati hizi hufikia mwisho. Vivyo hivyo kila falme hakika ina zama zake m zama ambazo zina mwanzo na mwisho. Kwenye soka kumekuwa na falme mbalimbali ambazo huwekwa na timu tofauti kwa nyakati tofauti.

Wakati soka la ushindani kwa maana ya soka la kimataifa lilipoanza mwishoni mwa miaka ya 20 timu ya taifa ya Uruguay ndio ilikuwa baba wa soka ulimwenguni, Uruguay mpaka kufikia mwaka ambao kombe la dunia lilichezwa kwa mara ya kwanza likuwa imeshatwaa ubingwa wa michuano ya olimpiki mara mbili na waliendeleza ubabe wao mwaka wa kombe la dunia ambapo walitwaa ubingwa wa kwanza wa kombe la dunia.

Baada ya hapo Italia waliingia kwa muda mfupi ambapo walitwaa kombe la dunia mara mbili katika miaka ya 1934 na 38. Kwenye miaka ya 50 Uruguay walirudi kwa muda kabla ya kuwapisha wababe wapya Brazil ambao walitawala kipindi cha kati ya miaka 1958 mpaka 1970.

Katika miaka yote hiyo timu zimekuja na kundoka na kuja na kuondoka tena lakini hakuna hata moja ambayo ufalme wake ulidumu milele.

Kwa upande wa vilabu Real Madrid waliatawala sana miaka ya kuanzia 1955 mpaka 70 kabla ya timu nyingine kama Ajax , Liverpool, Bayern Munich na Ac Milan mpaka kufikia kati ya muongo wa 1990.

Katika miaka ya 2000 hakuna klabu ambayo imetawala mchezo wa soka barani ulaya kama Fc Barcelona . Hata kabla ya uji wa Pep Guardiola Barca walikuwa wanatisha wakiwa na safu ya hatari ya kiungo na ushambuliaji ambayo ilikuwa na watu kama Ronaldinho Gaucho ,Samuel Etoo ,Thierry Henry, Deco , Henrik Larson, na wengineo wengi. Kizazi hicho kilipita kikaja kizazi cha kina Lionel Messi , Sergio Busquets , Pedro Rodriguez, Gerard Pique ambao waliungana na wakongwe waliokuwepo tangu wakati wa Rijkaard kina Carles Puyol , Xavi Hernandez na Andres Iniesta pamoja na baadhi ya wachezaji walionunuliwa kama Eric Abidal , Seydou Keita na wengine .

Katika vipindi vyote hivi Barcelona imetawala bila kupingwa huku ikitwaa ubingwa wa Ulaya mara tatu tangu mwaka 2006 na mataji manne ya ligi ya nyumbani.

Hata hivyo alipokuja Pep Guardiola ndio Barcelona inaonekana kushika kasi kuliko hata hapo awali. Chini ya Pep Barca imetwaa mataji 13 kati ya 16 ambayo imeshiriki huku Lionel Messi akiibuka kama mchezaji bora pasipo kipingamizi chochote.

Hata hivyo utawala huu wa Barcelona hatimaye unaonyesha dalili mbaya za kuanza kufifia taratibu.

Hii si kusema kuwa Barcelona wameshuka kufikia kiwango kibaya kama ilivyokuwa kwa timu kama Ac na Inter Milan au hata Man United ambayo msimu huu umekuwa mbaya sana kwake hasa kwenye michuano ya ulaya.

Pamoja na hayo Barcelona msimu huu hawajarejea kwenye kiwango cha kutwaa mataji yote inayoshiriki kama msimu uliopita na hata misimu miwili mitatu nyuma.

Kuna sababu mbalimbali ambazo zinaonekana kutishia ufalme wa Barcelona.

Ukiangalia Barcelona ya sasa bado ina watu muhimu kama Xavi, Iniesta, Messi na Puyol.

Hata hivyo tofauti iliyoko sasa na Barcelona ile ya mwaka 2009 ambayo iliilaza Man United maba mawili bila pale Rome utagundua jambo moja kubwa . Barcelona ya sasa inamtegemea sana Lionel Messi tofauti na miaka mitatu iliyopita . Inawezekana kuwa Messi kwa sasa amekuwa kiuchezaji tofauti na hapo awali lakini ukweli unabaki kuwa Barca inamtegemea sana kijana huyu toka Rosario Argentina.

Hadi kufikia mwisho wa msimu wa mwaka 2008-2009 Fc Barcelona ilitwaa ubingwa wa La Liga huku ikiwa na uwiano wa ufungaji wa mabao mzuri ambao ulikuwa umesambaa kwa wachezaji watatu.

Samuel Etoo alikuwa na mabao 31, Leo Messi alikuwa na mabao 23 na Thierry Henry alikuwa na mabao 19 , hii ilitengeneza jumla ya mabao 74. Wingi wa mabao ya jumla sio hoja kuu ila jinsi mabao haya yalivyosambaa kwa wachezaji wengi na sio mmoja.

Ukiangalia takwimu za ufungaji zinavyoonyesha msimu huu utaona Leo Messi ana mabao 41, Xavi Hernandez na Alexis Sanchez wakiwa na mabao 10 kila mmoja . Tofauti ya mabao ya jumla kwa mara nyingine sio hoja kwani ukiangalia jumla ya mabao ni 70 huku tofauti ikiwa ndogo tu ya mabao manne.

Hata hivyo tofauti kubwa ambayo inaogopesha hapa ni ukweli kwamba Messi peke yake ana mabao 41 na anayefuatia ana mabao 10. Ishara inayopatikana hapa ni kwamba Barcelona si lolote s chochote bila Messi. Rudi nyuma kwenye mwaka huo huo wa 2009 halafu angalia hali ilivyokuwa kwa mahasimu wa Barca Real. Takwimu zao zilinyesha kuwa mfungaji bora alikuwa Gonzalo Higuein akiwa na mabao 22 akifuatiwa na Raul Gonzalez akiwa na mabao 18. Baada ya hapo angalia takwimu za Real mwaka huu Cristiano Ronaldo ana mabao 41 , Gonzalo Higuein ana 22 na Karim Benzema ana 18 . Kwa mara nyingine tena jumla ya mabao si issue kubwa ila mgawanyo wa mabao kwa maana ya kwamba Real hawana tatizo lililoko Barcelona la kuwa tegemezi sana kwa Messi.

Hili si tatizo ambalo linaikuba Barca kwenye La Liga peke yake bali hata kwenye Ligi ya mabingwa . Msimu ambao Barca ilitwaa ubingwa kwa kuifunga Man United mabao mawili kule Rome Messi alikuwa na na mabao 9, Henry mabao matano na Etoo Manne. Msimu huu Messi ana mabao 14 huku anayefuatia akiwa pedro mwenye mabao manne . Kwa upande wa Real kwa mara nyingine mabao yamegawanyika kwa wachezaji wengi , Ronaldo ana nane , Benzema ana saba , Jose Callejon ana mabao matano , Kaka na Higuein wana matatu kila mmoja. Picha unayoipata hapa ni kwamba Bila Messi Barcelona sio Barcelona lakini kwa Madrid bila Ronaldo Benzema atafunga na Higuein atafunga.

Haimaanishi kuwa Barca hawana watu wa kufunga ila mabao yanayofungwa na wachezaji wengine ni machache sana kiasi cha kuifanya timu kuwa tofauti.

Ukweli wa hoja hii unapatikana kwenye mchezo wa jumatano kati ya Chelsea na Barcelona . Kila ambapo Lionel Messi aligusa mpira angezungukwa na wachezaji wawili watatu, matokeo yake yalikuwa Barcelona kufungwa.

Japo waligongesha sana miamba lakini takwimu zinaonyesha kuwa mabao yanayofungwa na wengine hayatoshi na juu ya yote Messi ndio chief goalscorer jambo ambalo hata wachezaji wengine wa Barcelona wanaonekana wamelizoea.

Sababu ya pili kubwa ya ufalme wa Barca kufikia ukomo muda si mrefu ni ya kipuuzi sana lakini ina kila chembe chembe ya ukweli ndani yake . Mafanikio makubwa ambayo Barca imeyapata ndio sababu kuu ya waokushindwa kupata mafanikio mengine zaidi . Katika hali ya kawaida ni rahisi sana kupanda ngazi za mafanikio , lakini ni kazi ngumu sana kuendelea kubaki kwenye kilele cha mafanikio hasa pale ambapo mafanikio haya yamekuwa yakija kwa staili kama ambayo Barca ya Guardiola imepata mafanikio yake.

Mataji 13 kwenye mashindano 16 ambayo Barca imeshiriki kwa kipindi cha miaka yake mitatu ni mafanikio makubwa sana kwa kipindi kidogo na kiukweli ni vigumu sana kwa wachezaji wa Barcelona kwa ujumla kupata sababu ya kutafuta nguvu ya ziada ya kuendelea kufanya vizuri baada ya mafanikio ya muda mfupi, hili ni jambo ambalo hata Pep Guardiola mwenyewe amekiri .

Wakati Barcelona inatwaa ubingwa wa Champions League mwaka 2009 Kazi kubwa sana ilikuwa imefanywa na Samuel Etoo japo messi alimaliza kama mfungaji bora wa michuano hiyo lakini Etoo ndiye alikuwa mfungaji bora wa michuano yote hivyo Lionel Messi ambaye ndio kwanza alikuwa anachipukia alikuwa na sababu ya kufanya vyema zaidi baada ya hapo kutokana na kuhisi kuwa mafanikio ambayo Barca iliyapata hayakuwa na mhuri wake kama mchezaji mwenye mchango mkubwa na ndio maana baada ya hapo Messi alifanya kazi kubwa ya kufika hapa alipo.

Tofauti iliyopo sasa ni kwamba wachezaji kama Alexis Sanchez na Cesc Fabregas ambao wako kwenye msimu wao wa kwanza wana wakati mgumu sana kufanya yale aliyofanya Messi na hapo ndio unapokuja ukweli wa hoja hii ya kutafuta mafanikio ya kwako kama mchezaji badala ya yale ya timu.

Na zaidi ya hayo njia ya mafanikio ni kama mlima, wakati wewe unapanda unapishana na watu wanaoshuka na wakati utafika ambapo na ewe utashuka huku ukipishana na watu wanaopanda na kwa jinsi Barcelona walivyopata mafanikio yake kuna timu nyingine zitajipanga na kuwa bora kwa nyakati todauti na hii itamaanisha kutoa ushindani mkubwa sana kwa Barcelona jambo ambalo ukiunganisha na sababu nyingine zilizotajwa hakika zitachangia kushuka kwa ufalme wa Barcelona.

Mfano wa hili ni jinsi Real Madrid walivyowapa upinzani mkubwa Barcelona kwenye La liga na hata kwenye ligi ya mabingwa . Tegemea hili kwenye michuano ya ulaya ambako timu kama Bayern Munich, Manchester United,Ac Milan zote zitawatazama Barcelona na kujipanga.

Mwisho wa siku haya yote yanaweza yakawa imani tu au propaganda dhidi ya Barcelona ambayo kiukweli inabakia kuwa timu bora ya kizazi hiki lakini ubora huu utafikia ukomo wake. Na ukomo huu umeanza kuonyesha ishara zake .

Na Shafii Dauda

http://www.shaffihdauda.com

Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2 (agg 2-3): Salute the incredibles! Terry off, 2-0 down but brave Blues hit back to reach final

Amid the chaos created by a captain’s insane indiscipline, Chelsea’s Incredibles emerged on Tuesday night.

This was a group of players who somehow survived for 54 minutes in the absence of the dismissed John Terry and secured their passage to the Champions League final; a team who stopped a Barcelona side that had already scored 102 goals at home this season before this semi-final began.

In doing so, they joined the ranks of the European greats.

It was not just the loss of Terry that presented them with a problem. It was not just that, with only 10 men, they were facing the finest team the world has ever seen. It was the fact they triumphed without a single centre half on the pitch, having already lost Gary Cahill to injury.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo was whistling when he walked through the media zone shortly after the final whistle, cool as you like.

But an Italian — who might just lose the ‘interim’ part of his job title before long — had masterminded an astonishing victory.

It was a performance that might have superseded Manchester United’s display on this same Nou Camp pitch in 1999, when they beat Bayern Munich in the final. It might even have been the most extraordinary contest witnessed in this competition.

By the end Di Matteo had organised his side in a 6-3 formation, with Salomon Kalou doubling up alongside Ramires at right back and Fernando Torres sitting outside Ashley Cole at left back. Want to know how to cope with Barcelona’s big pitch? Just play four full backs.

That Ramires and Torres also scored Chelsea’s goals made it all the more memorable and that bit more special. The first came from the Brazilian just before the interval when it seemed Barcelona were on the road to Bavaria, while Torres added the coup de grace in second-half stoppage time.

Together with Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles, Ramires will miss the final because of the booking he received here last night. But that did not stop him sprinting the full length of the field, from his new position in the makeshift back-four, to run on to a pass from Frank Lampard before sending a quite brilliant chip over the advancing Victor Valdes and into the net.

It was amazing. It was Roy Keane — who missed that 1999 final — in a Chelsea shirt. It was enough to make grown men cry.

When Chelsea fans who were here share their recollections of the night, they will reflect on that moment in the context of the 10 or so dramatic minutes that came before.

Chelsea had done well to limit Barcelona to one decent chance in the opening half an hour, with Petr Cech denying Lionel Messi after the best player on the planet had executed a marvellous one-two with Cesc Fabregas.

But it was looking ominous for the visitors the moment they lost Cahill to injury after only 12 minutes, forcing Di Matteo to deploy Jose Bosingwa on the flank and move Ivanovic to centre half.

In those 10 first-half minutes, though, Chelsea appeared to collapse and capitulate.

It started when Sergio Busquets met a neat cross from Isaac Cuenca to score, continued two minutes later when Terry mindlessly drove his knee into the leg of Alexis Sanchez and concluded with Andres Iniesta dropping off the right shoulder of Ramires — now at right back thanks to the need to switch Bosingwa to centre-half — to collect a wonderful pass from Messi before slipping his shot beyond the reach of Cech.

Surely it was game over. Surely Barcelona would succeed only in building on their lead and leave Terry to reflect on yet more Champions League misery — a penalty for his madness to add to the penalty he missed in Moscow.

But then came the comeback of comebacks — a defiant fight for survival that will strike fear into whichever side they meet in Munich on May 19.

The goal from Ramires nearly counted for nothing when, two minutes after the break, Fabregas appeared to dive after a challenge from Didier Drogba in the penalty area and Messi was invited by referee Cuneyt Cakir to score from the spot. But Messi had never scored in seven previous meetings with Chelsea and that record was extended to eight when his effort crashed off Cech’s bar and bounced to safety.

Even then, it only seemed a matter of time before the Catalans would score again.

Sanchez had one goal ruled out for offside, while Messi was denied by the brilliance of Cech when the Chelsea goalkeeper diverted another shot against a post.

That Di Matteo’s makeshift side survived a further 43 minutes after Messi’s penalty miss was remarkable, but it was the product of serious hard graft and intense concentration — defending at its finest.

In front of the defensive line stood three midfielders in Frank Lampard, Meireles and John Mikel Obi who battled every bit as courageously, demonstrating exactly why this Barcelona team do not like playing against them.

That Chelsea scored a second goal was irrelevant in the end, even if it did add to the joy for the visitors and the despair for the hosts.

Torres must have loved it, though, racing clear in pursuit of a ball forward from Ivanovic before casually taking it around Valdes and scoring into an empty net.

Di Matteo had said his side would need to produce ‘two perfect performances’ to win this semi-final, but not even he would have envisaged this.

Take a bow, Chelsea’s Incredibles.

By MATT LAWTON

How's that for a way to travel: Luxury limousine comes fitted out with drinks cabinet, computer system and even an exercise bike

For most of us, taking a trip in the car means missing out on certain luxuries which we enjoy at home.

However, for anyone wealthy enough to own this luxury limousine, that needs not be the case.

The opulent vehicle comes fitted out with a number of incredible features, including a built-in exercise bike which can be used whilst sitting back in one of the leather seats.

The vehicle also comes with a burr wood trimmings drinks cabinet, large screen HD television, surround sound system, wifi and computer system.

There is also the option of armour plating for those high profile oligarchs or even politicians around the world who believe they need the security.

The Cadillac Escalade ESVconversions vehicle has been made by US custom company Becker Automotive Designs.

The vehicle costs between £83,500 and £161,000 depending on the final specifications.

In advertising the vehicle, the company says: 'Gaining the edge in today's competitive business environment means using every minute of your busy day to its best advantage.

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Posted By ANTHONY BOND

Terry banned for Champions League final after reckless red card... with Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles also suspended!

John Terry is one of FOUR Chelsea players banned for the Champions League final after their epic victory over Barcelona.

The Blues skipper was dismissed in the first half at the Nou Camp for an off-the-ball knee in the back of Alexis Sanchez. That means he will miss the next three European matches - but that is only the start of the problems for Chelsea.

Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles all picked up bookings in the 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp that sealed their 3-2 aggregate triumph. They will all be suspended alongside Terry for next month's final in Munich.

Terry later told Sky Sports that he should not have been sent off. When told that he appeared to knee Sanchez, Terry replied: 'I would not do that.'

When he was later interviewed in front of the cameras, he admitted his guilt saying: 'Sanchez was darting in behind me. I've seen the replay and it does look bad.

'I'm not that type of player to intentionally hurt anyone. I've raised my knee, which I maybe shouldn't have done in hindsight. But hopefully people who know me as a person, as a player... I'm not that type of player.

'I'm disappointed but delighted for the lads. To come here and play the way they did and get the result they did with 10 men... I feel I've let them down. I've apologised to them and I want to apologise to the fans as well.

'At the time, I was bewildered because I was trying to protect myself a little bit, but looking at it on the replay, I've no complaints. I've let the lads down. They've performed brilliantly, so hopefully this doesn't take it away from the players.

This is what this football club deserves. We deserve to be in the Champions League final. The boys were excellent and I hope the incident doesn't take away from how hard they worked.'

Terry's exit came switfly after his centre-back partner Gary Cahill went off injured.

With David Luiz also currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, boss Roberto Di Matteo faces a number of problems when they take on the winners of Wednesday's clash between Real Madri and Bayern Munich.

Matching outfits, it must be serious! Kim Kardashian and Kanye West step out in his 'n' hers monochrome

It's getting hard to believe, as her sister Khloe contends, that Kim Kardashian's relationship with Kanye West is not serious.

For tonight the pair stepped out wearing the kind of coordinated couple's outfit that you'd only expect to see when a couple are well established.

Kim,31, donned an eye-catching black and white dress (which should've looked better than it did but strangely didn't work) while Kanye linked into this with a sweater in matching colours.

It certainly made the fledgling couple look in sync, though the 34-year-old rapper found his loafers easier to walk in in than Kim did her obligatory Louboutin heels.

He led her protectively along the street as they headed to a dinner in Manhattan together.

Last night the College Dropout star joined the entire Kardashian clan for a high-profile event.

Kanye accompanied the whole family to the opening of Kourtney's boyfriend Scott Disick's restaurant where their every affectionate moment could be captured by the cameras.

The couple arrived together holding hands, their first public declaration that they are in a relationship together.

The action was to say the least a rather large sign that the singer is moving ahead with his relationship with the curvy star.

And it was no wonder he wanted to rush to his lady love's side.

Kim stepped out for the event looking elegant in a black tight-fitting pencil skirt and matching halterneck top with frill detailing at the bib.

She paired the look with some black satin and perspex pointy stilettos, a black weave clutch and two gold cuffs on each of wrists.

Her boyfriend of a matter of two weeks appeared to be matching his outfit to his girlfriend's.

The Touch The Sky rapper looked dashing in a black tuxedo-style suit with a simple grey T-shirt worn underneath.

Khloe – who with husband Lamar Odom enjoyed a double-date with the fledgling couple in New York last weekend – revealed things between her older sibling and the Gold Digger rapper are only just getting off the ground.

Appearing on US show Watch What Happens Live, she said: 'I don't think it's serious. I think it's too soon. But because they've been friends for so long, it's just so easy and that's something I love seeing for Kim - the easiness and how happy she is. And it's just more of a great friendship and friendships make the best relationships.

'We've known Kanye for like nine years. He's great with the family, but again we've known him for so long. It's not like some stranger getting into a hurricane.'

Kim married basketball star Kris Humphries last August but filed for divorce after just 72-days of marriage, and Khloe admits she didn’t have such a soft spot for the NBA star, who she says 'rubbed her the wrong way.'

She previously explained: 'When I met Kris the very first time, I had just landed in New York and it was late at night.

'One of the first things that came out of his mouth - like within the first five minutes - was, "So, how much you getting paid to fake your marriage? Like how long are you gonna keep this up for?" And I was like, "Okay, dude, I don't know if you're trying to make me laugh ..." But he just rubbed me the wrong way.

'So ever since then I had a very defensive wall brought up. I'm a very good judge of character, if I do say so myself.'

Earlier today Kim jetted back into New York after attending an event in Los Angeles last night.

She had flew into California for a few hours to attend the Jeep brand and USA Basketball announced partnership, which named the Jeep Wrangler the official vehicle of USA Basketball.

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Kim Kardashian steps out holding hands with Kanye West... to attend the opening of Scott Disick's restaurant with her family

Her sister Khloe insists that Kim Kardashian's relationship with Kanye West is not serious just yet.

But the 34-year-old rapper's outing with girlfriend Kim and the entire Kardashian clan this evening certainly says otherwise.

And fittingly Kanye, who recently started dating the 31-year-old reality star, accompanied the whole family to the opening of Kourtney's boyfriend Scott Disick's restaurant where their every affectionate moment could be captured by the cameras.

The couple arrived together holding hands, their first public declaration that they are in a relationship together.

The action was to say the least a rather large sign that the singer is moving ahead with his relationship with the curvy star quickly.

And it was no wonder he wanted to rush to his ladylove's side.

Kim stepped out for the event looking elegant in a black tight-fitting pencil skirt and matching halterneck top with frill detailing at the bib.

Posted By JADE WATKINS

RVP claims prestigious prize

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has been voted 2012 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

Van Persie, 28, topped the poll of journalists with a landslide victory ahead of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney in second place and his Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes third, with Fulham's Clint Dempsey fourth.

Van Persie's 34 goals in all competitions has helped propel the Gunners into the top four of the Premier League, leaving them on the brink of Champions League qualification for next season.

Van Persie - last week named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - will receive the prestigious FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, at a gala dinner at the Lancaster London Hotel on May 3.

FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer at The People, said: "Robin was the overwhelming choice of our members this season and deservedly so after a magnificent campaign for Arsenal.

"The quality of his goals, attacking movement and consistency in a turbulent season for The Gunners has been eye-catching.

"The considerable size of his majority in the votes cast by our members reflected the general view that he has been the season's most outstanding individual performer.''

By ESPNsoccernet

Should you switch to goats' milk? Fans claim it's less fattening, packed with vitamins and won't trigger allergies

Many people are turning to goats’ milk products as a ‘healthier’ alternative to dairy products — indeed the UK market is now worth £50 million a year.

At around £1.40 per litre (compared with 52p for cows’ milk), goats’ milk is clearly not cheap — but is it worth the outlay?

First, let’s look at the nutrition.

‘Both cows’ and goats’ milk contain similar levels of calcium and most other vitamins and minerals,’ says Jennifer Lowe of the British Dietetic Association.

But when it comes to vitamin B12 — which is important for the formation of healthy red blood cells — cows’ milk wins hands down.

‘Half a tumbler of cows’ milk contains nearly two thirds of the recommended daily intake — you’d have to drink nine times that amount of goats’ milk to get the same levels,’ says Lowe.

Some children given goats’ milk have been found to have B12 deficiency (symptoms include fatigue and weakness).

However, goats’ milk may boost iron absorption more effectively than cows’, according to a study last year from the University of Granada in Spain.

The study also found goats’ milk contained higher levels of zinc and selenium, which help the immune system.

Furthermore, many fans of the milk claim that those with an allergy to cows’ milk can happily pour goats’ milk on their cereal.

But this may not be the case.

If you have an allergy to cows’ milk — around five per cent of the UK population is thought to be affected — you’re likely to have a similar response to goats’ milk, and sheep’s milk, too.

‘The protein that causes an allergy is very similar in all these types of milk,’ says Lowe.

People who claim to be intolerant to lactose, the natural carbohydrate in milk, often swap cows’ for goats’ milk.

But Lowe points out that, ‘the two actually contain similar levels of lactose — 4.1 per cent in goats’ compared with 4.7 per cent in cows’ — so switching to goats’ milk won’t make any difference to your symptoms.’

Instead those people with a lactose intolerance should opt for a dairy-free alternative such as soya milk. But could goats’ milk help you shed the pounds?

When it comes to calories and saturated fat, there’s little difference between cows’ and goats’ milk.

A 100ml serving (about half a tumbler) of whole fat cows’ milk provides 67 calories and 3.9 grams of fat, while goats’ contains 60 calories and 3.5 grams of fat.

The semi-skimmed versions of both contain around 45 calories and 1.7 grams fat.

However, although it may not be a great help to slimmers, some claim that goats’ milk helps to minimise abdominal bloating.

It’s true that its fat globules are generally smaller than those in cows’ milk so the body’s digestive enzymes can break it down more rapidly — however, there’s no confirmed link with reduced abdominal bloating.

Other more tried and tested methods of reducing bloating include avoiding foods such as onions and cauliflower, which are known to be a cause of the problem.

Experts also recommend trying to avoid ‘gulping’ too much air when drinking and eating.

They advise chewing with your mouth closed, not talking and eating at the same time, and sitting down when you eat.

Drinking lots of fluids is also important, and some experts believe that consuming foods and drinks with probiotic ‘friendly’ bacteria may also help.

And last year’s study at the University of Granada found goats’ milk contained a significant amount of oligosaccharides, compounds that reach the large intestine undigested and act like prebiotics, enhancing the growth of healthy ‘probiotic’ gut flora that wards off infections.

There’s been a 40 per cent rise in demand for goats’ milk for children in recent years, the result of an increase in the numbers said to be either allergic to dairy or unable to digest it.

But goats’ milk is not for babies and young infants — the proteins are too concentrated for young children to digest and some sources of it are unpasteurised, raising the risk of bacterial infection, diarrhoea and sickness.

According to the Department of Health: ‘Infant formulas and follow-on formulas based on goats’ milk protein have not been approved for use in Europe’.

So when you’re considering whether to switch to goat, it seems that sticking with old-fashioned cow may be better for your health — as well as your wallet.

By PETA BEE

Pizarro denies Bayern deal

Werder Bremen striker Claudio Pizarro insists he has not agreed terms on a return to Bayern Munich and has yet to make a decision about his future.

Pizarro, 33, enjoyed a successful six-year spell at Bayern before leaving the club in 2007 and has been heavily linked with a summer return to the Allianz Arena.

However, the Peruvian veteran - who has netted 16 Bundesliga goals this season - is adamant that he does not know where he will be playing in 2012-13.

"I have not decided yet where I will continue my career," Pizarro was quoted as saying by Bild. "There's no decision for now. I will let people know once I've made a decision on my future."

Pizarro's current deal with Werder expires at the end of the season and though the Weserstadion outfit are understandably keen to hold on to their top scorer this term, the lure of another tilt at Champions League football with Bayern - albeit as a back-up for Mario Gomez - may appeal to the forward.

Di Matteo demands focus

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has urged five of his players walking a suspension tightrope not to worry about the possibility of receiving bookings against Barcelona that would rule them out of the Champions League final.

Chelsea travel to Camp Nou on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie boasting a 1-0 lead following a hard-fought victory in the first meeting at Stamford Bridge.

Should the Blues avoid defeat they will set up a final with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich - who play on Wednesday evening - at the Allianz Arena on May 19.

Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Ramires and Raul Meireles are all one yellow card away from missing the showpiece should Chelsea advance, but Di Matteo is calling for focus from his charges.

Di Matteo said in the Daily Star: "It is important for us to fully focus on going through and whatever happens, happens.

"We had some of them (Cole, Ivanovic and Meireles) already on the bookings in the first leg as well, so we will just have to play without thinking about it.

"We cannot speculate on the bookings, but I don't think it is going to be in the back of their minds."

The Italian also talked up his side's strength, having overseen ten wins during his 14 matches at the helm since taking over from the sacked Andre Villas-Boas.

He said: "We do have the qualities within this team. Away from home, as we've seen in the past, you need a bit of luck to be able to do well in a competition like this. But, certainly, we have the quality and the squad at Chelsea."

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Fergie keen on Hazard

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed his interest in Lille star Eden Hazard.

Hazard has announced that he will be leaving Ligue 1 champions Lille in the summer, and clubs including United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been linked.

Ferguson scouted Hazard in March, while the club's first-team coach, Rene Meulensteen, talked up a potential bid earlier this month.

Ferguson has now told French station Radio RMC: "I was at the game and watched Hazard, as well as other players. That's part of my job, looking at good players.

"Hazard is a very good player and has a lot of qualities. He's particularly quick over the first ten yards."

Ferguson also praised France national team coach Laurent Blanc, who played for United late in his career and has been linked with the Chelsea job as well as a potential return to Old Trafford.

"The France team is more balanced and has become a winning team again,'' Ferguson said. "As in 1998, it has established a balance between young and experienced players.

"When Laurent played in Manchester he followed our training methods very carefully. That's very intelligent and obviously he has qualities as a coach because he made Les Bleus a winning team again.''

ESPN

NANI KUONDOKA NA GARI HILI, MADA MAUGO AU FRANCIS CHEKA?

WAANDAAJI wa pambano la ubingwa wa IBF kati ya Francis Cheka na Mada Maugo leo wameonesha rasmi gari watakalogombania Mabondia Mada Maugo Na Francis Cheka Aprili 28 mwaka huu katika ukumbi wa PTA, Dar es Salaam.

Pambano hilo linatarajiwa kuwa katika uzito wa kg 75 la raundi 12 la Kimataifa ambapo linatarajiwa kuwa chini ya Kamisheni ya Kamisheni ya Ngumi za Kulipwa Tanzania (TPBC) huku majaji wa pambano hilo wakitegemewa kutoka nje ya nchi.

Akizungumza Dar es Salaam leo, Msemaji wa mpambano huo Yasini Abdallah alisema kuanikwa kwa mkanda huo na Gari kuwekwa Hadharani kutaashiria kupamba moto kwa pambano hilo ambalo linatarajia kuwa katika ngazi ya Kimataifa ili kuweza kupatikana kwa mshindi wa halali na pia itafuta hisia za kuwepo na ubabaishaji katika pambano hilo.

“Tunauanika Gari na mkanda ili kuwathibitishia wadau wa ngumi na mashabiki kwa ujumla kuwa tupo makini na pambano hili na sio la kibabaishaji na kama tulivyosema awali kuwa majaji watoka nje ya nchi na hiyo yote ni kutaka mchezo uchezeshwe kulingana na hadhi ya mkanda,” alisema Kaike.

Alisema, maandalizi kwa ujumla ya pambano hilo yanaendelea vizuri na zawadi ya gari kwa mshindi iko pale pale ambapo mshindi atakabidhiwa siku hio hio ya pambano baada a kutangazwa mshindi na kupewa mkanda itafuatiwa na zawadi hiyo ya gari.

Awali mabondia hao walishakutana mara mbili ulingoni ambapo katika pambano la kwanza lilofanika PTA Cheka alishinda kwa pointi ambapo Maugo hakukubali matokeo hao na kuandaliwa pambano la marudiano lilofanyika Uwanja wa Jamuhuri Morogoro ambapo Cheka aliibuka mshindi tena kwa kumtwanga kwa pointi.

Baada ya kumalizika kwa pambano hilo kila bondia aligoma kucheza na mwenzake tena lakini baada ya kuandaliwa pambano hilo la ubingwa kila mmoja alibadilisha nia na kuamua kurudi ulingoni kuwania mkanda huo.

Mbali na kuwepo mapambano ya ngumi kutakuwa na uuzwaji wa DVD zenye mapambano ya mabingwa wa Dunia akiwemo Manny Paquaio, Floyd Maywherth, Roy Jones,Miguel Cotto,Linox Lewis na wengine kiba DVD hizo zilizoandaliwa kwa ubora wa hali ya juu zitakuwa zikiuzwa kwenye mpambano huo na Kocha wa Kimataifa wa mchezo huo. Rajabu Mhamila ‘Super D’, alisema kuwa kutakuwa na DVD ili kuweza kuwauzia mashabiki kwa ajili ya kujifunza Kanuni na Sheria za mchezo huo.

“Ninatarajia kuwepo kwa ajili ya kuwauzia DVD mashabiki wa ngumi watakaokuwepo katika pambano la Cheka na Maugo ili kuweza kujifunza mambo mbalimbali ikiwa ni pamoja na sheria za mchezo wa ngumi”, alisema Super D .

PICHA NA http://www.superdboxingcoach.blogspot.com/

Na Mwandishi GPL

TAARIFA KUTOKA TFF JANA

Release No. 062

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI

Aprili 23, 2012

MKUTANO MKUU WA MWAKA 2011 WA TFF

Mkutano Mkuu wa Mwaka (AGM) wa 2011 wa Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF) umefanyika kwa siku mbili (Aprili 21-22 mwaka huu) kwenye ukumbi wa NSSF Waterfront na kuhudhuriwa na wajumbe 104. Mkutano ulipokea taarifa, kufanya uamuzi katika masuala mbalimbali na mengine yaliyojitokeza kama ifuatavyo;

EL MAAMRY, NDOLANGA WATUNUKIWA URAIS WA HESHIMA

AGM ilipitisha pendekezo la kuwatunuku urais wa heshima wa TFF, Alhaji Said Hamad El Maamry na Muhidin Ahamadi Ndolanga lililowasilishwa na Mwenyekiti wa mkutano huo ambaye pia ni Rais wa TFF, Leodegar Tenga.

Alhaji El Maamry ambaye ni mjumbe wa heshima wa Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Afrika (CAF) alikuwa Mwenyekiti wa TFF wakati huo ikiitwa Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (FAT) kuanzia mwaka 1973 hadi 1986. Alhaji Ndolanga aliongoza FAT kuanzia mwaka 1993 hadi 2004.

BAJETI YA MWAKA 2012

Bajeti ya Mwaka 2012 ya sh. 7,246,628,650 kwa ajili ya matumizi ya TFF ilipitishwa. Kwa mwaka 2012 TFF inatarajia kukusanya sh. 7,572,991,433 kupitia vyanzo mbalimbali.

Vyanzo hivyo ni viingilio vya uwanjani vinavyotarajiwa kuingiza asilimia 22 ya mapato yote, udhamini (asilimia 74) na vyanzo vingine kama haki za matangazo ya televisheni, ada za ushiriki wa timu katika mashindano mbalimbali, misaada kutoka FIFA na CAF ambayo kwa pamoja vinatarajiwa kuingiza asilimia nne ya mapato yote.

KAMATI YA LIGI YA TFF

Kamati ya Ligi ya Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF) itaendelea na mchakato wa kupendekeza mifumo mitatu tofauti ya chombo kitakachosimamia/kuendesha Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom (VPL) na Ligi Daraja la Kwanza (FDL) ikieleza faida na athari za kila mfumo uliopendekezwa na baadaye kuwafanya mawasilisho (presentation) kwenye Kamati ya Utendaji.

Baada ya kuwasilisha mifumo hiyo kwa Kamati ya Utendaji, Kamati ya Ligi itapendekeza mfumo upi kati yao hiyo inaoona unafaa kabla ya kufanyika uamuzi wa mwisho.

Lengo la kuunda chombo maalumu cha kuendesha ligi ni kuongeza ufanishi katika uendeshaji wa VPL na FDL, na pia kuifanya Sekretarieti ya TFF kushughulikia zaidi shughuli za maendeleo.

UUZWAJI WA TIMU

Uuzaji wa timu linabaki kuwa suala la kisheria. Lakini TFF imeweka utaratibu ufuatao; lazima Mkutano Mkuu wa klabu husika uidhinishe uuzaji, na timu ikishauzwa inabaki katika mkoa husika.

MFUMO WA MASHINDANO

Kwa vile kuna tatizo la ligi mbalimbali kuwa fupi, hali inayosababisha baadhi ya wachezaji katika madaraja ya chini kucheza ligi zaidi ya moja katika msimu mmoja, mfumo wa ligi/mashindano utaangaliwa upya.

Mfumo uliopo sasa uliwekwa kwa ajili ya kuvutia uwekezaji katika mpira wa miguu ambapo mwekezaji anaweza kuanzisha timu, na ndani ya miaka mitatu ikacheza Ligi Kuu. Pili, ilikuwa ni kuondoa mlolongo mrefu wa ligi, na kuwafanya wanachama wa TFF (mikoa) nao kuendesha ligi zao mikoani.

Ijulikane kuwa ligi za mikoa (regional leagues) zinachezwa. Kwa sababu TFF inaendeshwa kwa mfumo wa shirikisho (federation), nia ni wanachama wa federation nao kuwa na majukumu ya kusimamia na kuendesha ligi, kwa vile TFF haiwezi kusimamia ligi zote.

MAREKEBISHO YA KATIBA

Mkutano Mkuu wa TFF umepitisha marekebisho ya Katiba katika maeneo mawili; moja ni kuanzisha Baraza la Wadhamini ambalo linatakiwa kuwa na wajumbe wasiopungua watatu na wasiozidi watano.

Marekebisho mengine ni kuongeza idadi ya kanda kutoka kumi na moja za sasa hadi 13. Marekebisho hayo yamefanyika kutokana na Serikali kuongeza mikoa mipya ya kijiografia.

Kanda mpya sasa zitakuwa Kagera/Geita, Arusha/Manyara, Kilimanjaro/Tanga, Katavi/Rukwa, Njombe/Ruvuma, Dodoma/Singida, Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga/Simiyu, Mwanza/Mara, Lindi/Mtwara, Kigoma/Tabora, Mbeya/Iringa na Pwani/Morogoro.

Ukiondoa mamlaka ya uteuzi aliyonayo Rais kwa mujibu wa Katiba ya TFF, wajumbe wote wa Kamati ya Utendaji huchaguliwa kwa kanda.

HESABU ZILIZOKAGULIWA

Mkutano Mkuu ulipitisha hesabu zilizokaguliwa za mwaka 2010 (Audited Accounts) , na pia kuiteua kampuni ya ukaguzi wa hesabu ya TAC Associates kuwa mkaguzi wa hesabu za TFF kwa kipindi cha miaka minne ijayo.

YANGA YAOMBA RADHI MKUTANO MKUU

Mjumbe wa Kamati ya Utendaji ya Yanga ambaye pia mjumbe wa Mkutano Mkuu wa TFF akiwakilisha klabu za Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam, Mohamed Bhinda aliwaomba radhi wajumbe wa Mkutano Mkuu kwa kitendo cha wachezaji wake kumpiga mwamuzi Israel Nkongo kwenye mechi ya Ligi Kuu ya Vodacom dhidi ya Azam iliyochezwa Machi 10 mwaka huu.

Pia alimuomba Rais wa TFF, Leodegar Tenga kutoa msamaha wa adhabu ya kulipa faini iliyotolewa na Kamati ya Ligi ya TFF kwa wachezaji wawili wa Yanga ambao mpaka sasa hawajalipa faini hiyo.

Rais Tenga alimshukuru Bhinda kwa ujasiri alioonesha wa kuomba radhi mbele ya wajumbe wa Mkutano Mkuu wa TFF kwa kitendo kile. Aliongeza kuwa kwa vile yeye ni muumini wa kanuni, na adhabu hizo zimetolewa kwa mujibu wa kanuni hawezi kutoa msamaha, hivyo wachezaji hao walipe faini hizo.

Pia Rais Tenga alisema binafsi haziingilia kamati za TFF katika uamuzi ambao zinafanya kwa vile zina watu waadilifu, na angekuwa yeye binafsi ndiye anayetoa adhabu, angetoa adhabu kali zaidi kwa vile vitendo vya kupiga waamuzi havikubaliki katika mchezo wa mpira wa miguu.

KANUNI ZA NIDHAMU, MAHAKAMA YA USULUHISHI

Akizungumza wakati wa kufunga mkutano huo, Rais Tenga aliwaambia wajumbe kuwa Kanuni za Nidhamu (Disciplinary Code) za TFF na uundaji wa Mahakama ya Usuluhishi (Arbitration Tribunal) ya TFF ambacho ndicho kitakuwa chombo cha juu cha kutoa haki kwa masuala ya mpira wa miguu nchini vitakamilika mwaka huu.

Pia TFF itaendelea kutafuta wadhamini kwa ajili ya timu za Taifa za vijana na wanawake, itaendelea kuendesha semina na makongamano katika nyanja mbalimbali za mpira wa miguu, kutengeneza mtaala wa academy na kutengeneza mpango wa maendeleo (Comprehensive Plan) baada ya ule wa awali kumalizika mwaka huu.

Boniface Wambura

Ofisa Habari

Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF)

LULU APANDISHWA KIZIMBANI CHINI YA ULINZI MKALI

Mwigizaji Maarufu wa filamu za Kibongo Elizabeth Michael ‘Lulu’ jana majira ya saa nne asubuhi amepandishwa kizimbani kwa mara ya pili katika Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu jijini Dar es Salaam na kusomewa shitaka la kumuua Steven Kanumba. Baada ya kusomewa shitaka hilo na Mwendesha Mashitaka Mkuu wa Mahakama hiyo Elizabeth Kaganda mbele ya Hakimu Rita Tarimo hakutakiwa kujibu lolote. Mwendesha Mashitaka huyo alisema upelelezi wa kesi hiyo bado haujakamailika hivyo kesi hiyo iliahirishwa mpaka Mei 7 mwaka huu.

PICHA ZOTE NA RICHARD BUKOS/GPL