S Africa team 'a bunch of losers'

'They are a bunch of losers' ... South Africa's sports minister Fikile Mbalula (right) has launched a stinging attack against the nation's football team after their loss to Nigeria on Sunday. Source: Gallo Images / Getty Images

SOUTH Africa's players are "a bunch of losers" and the former World Cup host's national team is in a state of crisis, according to the country's outspoken sports minister.

Fikile Mbalula, often a vocal supporter of South African sports teams, launched his stinging and surprising criticism of Bafana Bafana a day after they lost 3-1 to Nigeria and were eliminated at home in the group stage of the lower-level African Nations Championship.

"What I saw was not a problem of coaching, it was a bunch of losers," Mbalula said. "Their performance was not even lacklustre, it was useless. The mediocrity that was displayed yesterday ... we must never wake up to that again."

Mbalula said he felt like "just standing up and walking out" of Sunday's loss to Nigeria at Cape Town Stadium.

"We indeed have a crisis of monumental proportions," he said, describing the players as "unbearable, useless individuals."

Mbalula's assessment - sitting alongside South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan - came amid deepening gloom for South Africa's football followers, whose team appears to be regressing after being the first African host of a World Cup.

Playing at home again, South Africa only beat Mozambique in Group A at the African Nations Championship, the continental tournament for home-based players. It drew with Mali and was outplayed by Nigeria and only scored through a late penalty after Stephen Keshi's young Super Eagles team - missing all its Europe-based stars - had put the result beyond doubt.

The early exit from a tournament South Africa backed itself to win is a new low for Bafana Bafana, which hasn't qualified for a major competition it hasn't hosted since 2008. Africa's richest country and with the continent's best football facilities, South Africa missed the World Cup in 2006 and also failed to make the tournament in Brazil this year, and wasn't even among the final 10 teams in African qualifying.

South Africa also failed to qualify for the 2010 and 2012 African Cups, only appearing in last year's continental championship as host.

South Africa coach Gordon Igesund said the team wasn't good enough. Midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala also made a public apology.

"It is honestly hurting," said Tshabalala, the man who scored the opening goal at the 2010 World Cup. "We are hurting and we know the nation is also hurting, and we are not proud of not doing well."

Jordaan said there would be a major review of the national setup and SAFA would consider a new nickname and new colours for Bafana Bafana.

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Vidic concedes title, Moyes vows to fight

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MANCHESTER United captain Nemanja Vidic contradicted manager David Moyes by saying the reigning champions could no longer win the Premier League title this season following their defeat by Chelsea.

Sunday's 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge left United a huge 14 points behind leaders Arsenal with just 16 games of the season remaining.

Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o scored a hat-trick to exposed United's defensive frailties and the defeat was compounded for the visitors when Vidic was sent off late on for a rash challenge on Eden Hazard.

Asked if United were now too far adrift of Arsenal to retain their title, centre-back Vidic told Sky Sports: "Yes, I think so now we are too far behind. We have to focus now to get in the top three, top four. We have to be positive."

Of more immediate concern for United is that they are six points adrift of the top four, with the once unthinkable prospect of failing to qualify for the Champions League now a possibility.

"It's not going to be easy but we have to now fight for different things," said Vidic.

"We have to focus on the (League) Cup and the Champions League. It's never easy but we have to stay positive, we have to stick together, we have to work hard to change the things around.

"Hopefully we can play better football and with a bit of luck I think we can achieve that."

By contrast, a defiant Moyes - in his first season as United manager since succeeding the retired Alex Ferguson - insisted after Sunday's match that he would not "throw the towel in".

"What we won't do is throw the towel in until we can't get there," said Moyes, whose side replied through Javier Hernandez.

"The job's to try and finish first and we'll keep trying to do that. There's no clever answers except, 'Try and win the next game.'

"I think before today (Sunday), we came into it and we'd lost one game in the league in six - not a bad run.

"And I didn't think there was a big difference in the teams today, I didn't at all. The difference was two set-pieces and nothing else."

United have now been beaten seven times in the league, having lost five games or fewer in each of the past three seasons, but Moyes said that he did not feel under any added pressure.

Asked how his confidence was holding up, the former Everton manager replied: "Fine. It's a difficult task, but perseverance, keep doing what's right - I thought we did a lot of good things today.

"We've got players to come back and this is a project where I know I'm going to improve as it goes along. There will be changes as we go along on the journey and I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a massive challenge. I hoped I would be in a far better position than this, but I'm not, so the challenge is there for me. I think if you're a football person, it's a great one to have."

Moyes was once again without injured first-choice strike pair Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, and when asked if they would return to training on Monday, he would only reply: "I hope so."

United finished the game with 10 men after Vidic was sent off for chopping Hazard, while Rafael da Silva was booked for a wild foul on Gary Cahill.

Vidic, reflecting on his red card, said: "I think it was a bit harsh because I went for the ball. Hazard is a sharp player, he just pushed the ball."

Moyes added: "I think when players are frustrated, and it happens also to my players, things like this can happen."

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Nadal prevails in straight-sets slog

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RAFAEL Nadal has vowed to take less time between points after being irked by umpire Eva Asderaki's strict enforcement of the rules during a torrid fourth-round Australian Open win over Kei Nishikori at Melbourne Park yesterday.

Nadal was pushed to the limit by Nishikori in a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-6 (7-3) arm wrestle, and annoyed by two separate warnings from Asderaki for taking longer than the allowed 20secs between points.

The reigning French and US Open champion also was warned for receiving coaching as he battled to subdue Nishikori in 3hrs,15mins.

The Spaniard spoke briefly with Asderaki at the end of a gruelling contest, clearly irritated by her interpretation of the timing issue.

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While peeved by the timing of Asderaki's second warning at 4-all (deuce) in the second set, Nadal admits he needs to take less time.

"I accept the rules, Sometimes I am wrong," he said.

"Sometimes I am too slow and I accept that.

"I respect the decision of the referee even if I am not happy for that, because (it) was not the right moment to do it, in my opinion, before an advise. But she did.

"I going to try to go quicker for the future.

"But is important to have people on the chair that really understand the game and people who manage this sport who understand the game, and that's it.

Rafael Nadal in action against Kei Nishikori. Source: Getty Images

"The negative thing in my opinion is not the warning. The negative thing is the moment - 4-all, deuce.

"You can choose another moment to do it (issue a warning), not that one.

"Another thing is she didn't advise me before the second warning that I was still going slow.

"The normal thing is (to) say 'Rafa, you are going too slow.'

"So I try to go quicker, before the second warning.

"But she didn't make it...in my opinion, that goes against the show."

Rafael Nadal celebrates after beating Kei Nishikori. Source: AFP

The dispute prompted coach and commentator Brad Gilbert to call for the installation of clocks on court to alert players to potential time violations.

Nadal is renowned as a player who takes the maximum allowed time between points, but generally responds well to pressure from umpires to speed up.

Nadal was relieved to earn a tilt at 22nd seed Grigor Dimitrov, the first Bulgarian male to reach a grand slam quarter-final after a dogged 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 triumph over Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut.

"It was a very difficult match," Nadal said, referring to Nishikori's challenge.

"I was close to lose (ok) very set. Kei played very well. He hits the ball very early, which is very difficult, and he does it very easy.

"The ball was coming back fast."

Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the second set against Kei Nishikori. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

Chasing a second Australian Open crown, Nadal endured a rollercoaster afternoon.

Flamboyant Dimitrov follows the famed Maleeva sisters - Manuela, Katerina and Magdaleeva - and Sesil Karatantcheva and Tsvetana Pironkova - as Bulgarian members of the grand slam's last eight club.

Now coached by Australian Roger Rasheed, former prodigy Dimitrov is delivering on undisputed talent.

A Wimbledon and US Open junior champion, Dimitrov last year hooked up with Rasheed, a no-nonsense figure renowned for demanding physical and mental toughness from his charges.

Dimitrov, 22, was elated to reach the quarters, but has designs on going even deeper.

"First of all, I'm really happy to be out there in the quarter-final," he said. "(But) I'm not even close to satisfaction.

"I've been working really hard in the past year, especially in the off-season.

"Whether I like it or not, the patience is one of the main ingredients to become good."

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Radwanska to meet Azarenka

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THE consistency of Agnieszka Radwanska has extinguished the hot streak of rising Spanish star Garbine Muguruza.

Muguruza has been one of the finds of the Australian summer after winning the title in Hobart as as qualifier but the experience of Poland's No.5 seed was too much, with Radwanska progressing 6-1 6-3.

She now plays defending champion Victoria Azarenka in the quarter-finals.

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Radwanska, a semi-finalist in Wimbledon in 2012, took a long time to break down Muguruza in the opening set with the first five games taking almost half-an-hour.

But once she gained the crucial break, the inexperience of Muguruza, who has risen to No.38 in the world, was exposed and she meekly surrended the set with a spate of unforced errors.

Radwanska, who will be making her fifth appearance in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park, quickly got an early break in the second set and then comfortably held the advantage.

SEE HOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF DAY 8 UNFOLDED BELOW

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Ali helps Pakistan to series-leveller

Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali (left) celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) as Pakistan's cricket team captain Misbah-ul-Haq looks on during the final day of their third and final cricket Test match against Sri Lanka. Source: Ishara S.KODIKARA / AFP

AZHAR Ali hit a brilliant hundred as Pakistan pulled off a thrilling win in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Monday, levelling the series 1-1.

Set a daunting 302 to win in a possible 59 overs, Pakistan owed their successful chase to Ali's fifth Test century (103) as he and Misbah-ul-Haq shared a 109-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Misbah, who finished with 68 not out, hit the winning single with nine balls to spare in fading light.

Ali, ironically dropped for the first two Tests, hit paceman Suranga Lakmal for a boundary, then twice took two to reach his hundred off 133 balls.

He hit six boundaries before falling caught behind with just seven still needed to win.

Pakistan's chances seemed to have faded away at 107-3 at tea, as they needed 195 in the last 35 overs. But Ali upped the tempo during a rapid 89-run partnership in 14.5 overs with Sarfraz Ahmed (48) which left Sri Lanka on the defensive.

Even when Sarfraz was out, caught behind off paceman Shaminda Eranga, Pakistan needed 116. Sarfraz hit four boundaries and a six off 46 balls.

But Misbah supported Ali as Pakistan achieved their second best chase in all Test cricket, behind the 314 they chased against Australia in Karachi in 1994.

Sri Lanka had won the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets while the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan had lost Ahmed Shehzad (21), Khurram Manzoor (21) and Younis Khan (29) as they were derailed in their chase.

Needing to score at a rate of more than five an over to win, Pakistan were given a rapid 35-run start by the sixth over but paceman Suranga Lakmal (3-79) halted that progress by dismissing openers Shehzad and Manzoor within 13 runs.

Younis Khan tried to increase the pace before being caught off Angelo Mathews two overs before tea, but the scenario changed in the last session.

With the series tied, Pakistan also remained unbeaten in five series in the United Arab Emirates, which has become their home since security fears - sparked in the wake of attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009 - forced them to play at neutral venues.

They twice drew series with South Africa (2010 and 2013) and beat Sri Lanka (2011) and England (2012).

Misbah said Pakistan desperately wanted the win.

"That was really a much wanted win. We wanted the win it for our coach Dav Whatmore and wanted to give him a winning farewell,'' said Misbah of the team coach who ends his two-year tenure with this match.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews regretted batting failure.

"We dominated for three-and-a-half days but unfortunately could not score big in the second innings and lost,'' said Mathews, declared man-of-the-series for his 412 runs in three Tests.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 214 in their second innings, with left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman finishing with 4-56 and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal taking 3-53, but not before their batsmen had kept Pakistan at bay on the morning of the fifth and final day.

On an exciting day when both teams had a chance of victory, Mathews (31) and Prasanna Jayawardene (49) shared a 62-run stand for the sixth wicket and batted positively to add 56 in the first hour after the tourists resumed at 133-5.

But Mohammad Talha gave Pakistan their much-needed breakthrough when he had Mathews caught off a miscued hook.

Rehman then grabbed two quick wickets to put the brakes on Sri Lanka, having Dilruwan Perera caught at short-leg for eight before removing Rangana Herath for a first-ball duck.

Herath recorded a golden pair in the match as he was also dismissed first ball in the first innings.

Prasanna hit six boundaries in his 88-ball knock before he was dismissed by Ajmal, who also removed Shaminda Eranga to wrap up the innings.

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How mum's text brought Jamal to tears

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A TEXT message from his mum on Saturday night left Jamal Idris in tears and reminded him he made the right move to return to Sydney and join the Panthers.

The larger-than-life Idris met his Penrith teammates for the first time yesterday, then opened up about why being with his mother, Alana, left him with no option but to quit the Gold Coast two years into a $1.8 million, five-year deal.

Not only is Idris's signing a boost to the new-look Panthers, the dreadlocked giant's popularity is also sure to be used by the NRL in its on-going turf war with the AFL out west.

Idris quipped about the rival code: "AFL? I've read books about that game.''

Jamal Idris does his first media session with Penrith. Source: News Limited

The 23-year-old said he struggled with being isolated on the Gold Coast, so much so he couldn't bare another winter away from his mother. He has since moved into her home at Regents Park.

"Mum has been sick, and it was hard up there by myself,'' Idris said. "I had an awkward moment on Saturday. I'd been to the races earlier, and she sent me a message out of nowhere which said, 'My boy, I'm just listening to (Helen Reddy's 1973 No.1 classic) Delta Dawn, and it reminded me of you'. I used to sing that song to her when she dropped me off at school. I had a couple of tears.

"I tried flying mum up to the Gold Coast, but it was too much for her.''

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Idris said he made good friends on the holiday strip, but was disappointed injury prevented him from reaching the heights that earned him Blues and Kangaroos jumpers at the start of his career.

As for this season, Idris said his goals were simple.

"As long as I'm injury-free, I'll be happy, because that will mean I'm on the field every week,'' Idris said.

"It's funny because the majority of people ask me about (representative footy), but I don't think about that.

"I'm not thinking about the Blues, I'm not thinking about Australia, I'm not thinking about anything other than playing for this club.

"I was even thinking about the Auckland Nines today, but I don't know if I'll be playing.

"At the moment I'm 120kg. I was playing at that weight in 2012 when I was injured. I started last year around 116kg and 117kg, and it usually rolls down to around 113kg. I'm happy here. I smiled today. I've been smiling all day.''

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You have to wonder how much Idris's former club Canterbury could have done with his services in the centres, especially with the pending move of Josh Morris to fullback.

It was left to Panthers general manager Phil Gould to play a crucial role in securing Idris's move.

As Idris said: "Gus is the kind of bloke who talks to you and makes you feel like a school kid again. He has that sort of influence over you.''

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Fittler comeback moves a step closer

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BRAD Fittler's shock return to rugby league moved a step closer to reality yesterday as the Sydney Roosters and the NRL met to discuss his involvement in the Auckland Nines next month.

Fittler has signalled his intention to emerge from a 10-year hiatus to play in the inaugural tournament at Eden Park and the Roosters are quietly confident the game's governing body will help pave the way for the former Kangaroos skipper's return.

Roosters football boss Brian Canavan met with the NRL's chief operating officer Jim Doyle to discuss the issue at Rugby League Central at Moore Park as the NRL returned from its summer break.

"It was a formal discussion with the NRL seeking permission for Brad to return and covering topics such as contracts and insurance as is the convention," Canavan said.

"We are hopeful that by the end of the week we will have done everything required and Brad's comeback can be officially confirmed."

Fittler has begun training with the NRL premiers whose full squad returned to the paddock for the first time yesterday since their grand final triumph over Manly in October.

Sonny Bill Williams, whose involvement in the short-form tournament on the weekend of February 15-16 is up in the air, began his pre-season for what could be his final year in the NRL after he committed to New Zealand Rugby Union from 2015.

Each NRL team is required to submit their squad for the Nines by 5pm February 10.

Under tournament regulations each side is required to field one of their top five paid players and 12 of their top 25 players.

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SA youngster's dream Roos debut

Ryan Kitto of Australia during the AFC U-22 Championship match against Kuwait. Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images

COACH Aurelio Vidmar's 1-0 Olyroos win over Kuwait had a distinctive SA flavour when Ryan Kitto jagged the winner on Monday.

The South Australian-born former Reds boss blooded Adelaide- products, Adelaide United's Kitto, reserve keeper John Hall and Melbourne Heart's Stefan Mauk in the starting XI to help get the Olyroos off to a perfect Group C start at the AFC under-22 championship in Oman.

Jake Barker-Daish made up Adelaide United's starting contingent.

Kitto scored his debut Olyroos international goal midway through the second half when he put the ball past Kuwait keeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoorn after a perfect assist from Mauk.

Ryan Ryan Kitto of Australia. Source: Getty Images

Vidmar was pleased with Kitto's performance declaring the West Torrens Birkalla product had a blinder after scoring.

"Ryan Kitto was a different player after the goal,'' Vidmar said.

"There were a lot of good performances all over the park.

"Our defence was very good and the goalkeeper and central midfielders worked very hard."

Vidmar was pleased with the Australian's opening to the clash but declared the side needed some fine tuning.

A 10th minute save from Hall and Oman hitting the woodwork twice ensured the Olyroos kept a clean sheet.

Ryan Kitto (L) of Australia competes for the ball with Ahmad Rashed (R) of Kuwait. Source: Getty Images

"I'm very happy with the win,'' Vidmar said.

"Although we started the game quite strongly in the first 15 minutes, we lost our way for much of the first half.

"In the second half we controlled the game for long periods and dominated possession.

"The players were nervous at the beginning, but once that period was over their confidence grew."

Vidmar is using the tournament as a warm up to next year's Asian Football Confederation's Olympic Games qualifiers which will have the same groups format.

With a 2016 Rio Olympic Games berth at stake Vidmar has stated that he needed to test players in an international environment before the qualifiers after the Olympic team failed to qualify for the 2012 London Games.

Australia now heads the group after the opening round when Japan and Iran drew 3-3.

The Olyroos face Iran tonight at the Royal Oman Police Stadium, Muscat before meeting Japan on Thursday night to complete its group stage commitments.

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Earthquake alert for Slipper

Trainer Peter Snowden has warned punter's over Earthquake's short Golden Slipper odds. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

PETER Snowden has a big opinion of Earthquake but he has warned punters not to dive into the short quote about the filly for the Golden Slipper.

The TAB will on Tuesday morning release its first Slipper market, with Darley speedster Earthquake listed the $5 favourite for the $3.5 million two-year-old showdown on April 5.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun will be installed $8 second favourite, and Magic Millions Classic winner Unencumbered is the third elect at $11.

Earthquake won her only start in sizzling time in November, but Snowden said he wanted to see his youngster ­repeat the explosive performance before getting too carried away about her.

The filly will have a jump-out in Melbourne on January 30 before being aimed at the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 8, en route to the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) a fortnight later.

Gai Waterhouse's Fighting Sun is second favourite for the Golden Slipper. Source: No Source

Earthquake is also the $3.50 TAB favourite ahead of Fighting Sun ($6.50), the Waterhouse colt who won't be seen until next month.

"There was a lot to like about her first win but I've said from day one, one win doesn't make a good horse,'' Snowden said. "You'd like to see her do it again.

"Her win was dynamic, her time was great, and the way she did it was fantastic. But I'd wait until you see her again in Melbourne before (punters) go crazy. Quite often they get trapped quickly on them, but I'm a great believer in seeing them do it again before you lock them in (at short prices).

"She does have class, I'll say that much.''

Only two horses have completed the Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double in the past 35 years. One of those horses was Snowden's Sepoy, who ruled in 2011.

As for Earthquake winning the double, Snowden said: "It's very hard to do the double, but the reason I aimed this filly at the Blue Diamond is because she's so precocious and she's had the perfect preparation.

"It can be done, you've got five or six weeks between races. On paper the Diamond will only be her second run (this preparation). If her form warrants it, I'll talk to the team and get their thoughts, but she won't be over-taxed by the Blue Diamond.''

Snowden said all of his Slipper hopes had either trialled or raced. He also liked Memorial and Kumaon.

Five-time Slipper winner Waterhouse has Echo Gal and Cyclone to bounce back after the Magic Millions, as well as Fighting Sun and Law, while she also listed the likes of Important - one of two Darley horses at Tulloch Lodge - and unraced Redoute's Choice colt Hampton Court as contenders.

"I'm aware of my Golden Slipper horses in June, they expose themselves early in their preparation,'' Waterhouse said.

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Nasri out for eight weeks

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MANCHESTER City midfielder Samir Nasri will be out for eight weeks with a left knee injury, robbing the team of one of its most consistent performers for a crucial period of the season.

Nasri wrote on his Twitter page on Monday that he partially ruptured ligaments in his knee when he was fouled by Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in the second half of City's 2-0 win in the Premier League on Sunday. He added that there was also excess swelling on the knee.

``Thank you everyone for your kind words and overwhelming support,'' Nasri wrote, ``I suppose its kind of good news that I will be out around 8 weeks.''

Nasri's prognosis allays fears that the France international could miss the World Cup in Brazil.

The City games he is likely to miss include both legs of the last-16 match with Barcelona in the Champions League as well as the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 2, provided that City comes through its semi-final against West Ham. City is ahead 6-0 after the first leg.

The Manchester derby, currently scheduled for March 1, would have to be moved should one or either of the teams reach the League Cup final.

Nasri has been one of City's best players this season, finding his top form under new manager Manuel Pellegrini after struggling at times under previous coach Roberto Mancini last year.

Down and out ... Samir Nasri is fouled before being stretchered off during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park on January 12, 2014. Picture: Stu Forster

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