Nasief Morris puts his pride in his pocket and Jean de Villiers wants to make it third time lucky as he throws his name in the hat for Springbok selection ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It’s the quotes of the week.
“Jean is a world-class player who has excelled on the international stage. He has played all his rugby in the Cape having represented both WP and the Stormers. We will be contacting him to learn more of his intentions and explore opportunities.” — WP rugby MD Rob Wagner signals his union’s intentions to re-sign centre Jean de Villiers.
“This is perhaps my last opportunity to represent my country at the Rugby World Cup.” — Jean de Villiers on his decision to quit Munster and return to South Africa. Let’s hope he can stay injury-free.
“We have to rebuild. It will not be easy but hopefully we can find players who are loyal and committed to Dolphins cricket.” — Dolphins coach Graham Ford shows little diplomacy when explaining the reason for a player clearout at the franchise.
“You play so well, you are among the top three bowlers in county cricket and you carry drinks all season!” — New recruit Imran Tahir explains why he made the switch from the Titans to the Dolphins
“Listen, this is a special approach in the Anglo-Saxon countries. If this had happened in, let’s say Latin countries, then I think he would have been applauded.” — Fifa supremo Sepp Blatter gives his take on John Terry’s extramarital activities.
“They were intimidated when I was around. And they knew that if they slipped up — as old as I am — I would be there to take their place.” — Emerging talent can breathe a sigh of relief now that Kaizer Chiefs legend Arthur Zwane has announced his retirement after playing 244 games for the Soweto side.
“He was summoned by the judge, he didn’t come, so he’s now under an international arrest warrant.” — French anti-doping agency head Pierre Bordry elaborates on the arrest warrant issued for disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis, who is accused of hacking into the agency’s computer system.
“It’s a question of centimetres unfortunately. You can’t play 90 minutes at the same rhythm we started the game with. I can’t criticise my side. Scholes’s was a very lucky goal.” — AC Milan coach Leonardo ponders what could have been after his side lost to Manchester United in the Champions League first-leg quarterfinals.
“There are people or clubs that are involved, and to close the chapter we all need to come on board.” — Safa boss Kirsten Nematandani on the ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption in South African soccer.
“Not for a second do I think I’m better than any of the players who are in the team at the moment. But I think I can help, and I want to help.” — The forgotten man of South African soccer, Nasief Morris, goes out on a limb to win back a place in the Bafana Bafana set-up.