Watching Nicolas Anelka witnessing another game thrown away as only Manchester City can, it is the blankness of his body language, the emptiness in his expression that really make you wonder what goes on in his head. It says something that people are still fascinated – after all, he has not given many clues in nearly 10 seasons as a professional.

Sir Alex Ferguson will soon find himself facing the ordeal of a second legal dispute with John Magnier and JP McManus when Manchester United’s rebel shareholders inform the club they are investigating a possible claim of defamation. Lawyers of Magnier and McManus are demanding tapes and transcripts of Ferguson’s media interviews.

Jermain Defoe this week hit back at Terence Brown after being criticised by the West Ham chairperson. The England Under-21 striker had been irritated by the Hammers board, whose resignation to losing him resulted in his £7-million move to Tottenham on Monday.

All cricket tours have a taste. England tastes like upholstery in a new Volvo. India and Pakistan taste like flat Pepsi and last night’s pyrotechnic leftovers. Australia tastes like tears. But New Zealand, the Land of the Small White Crowd, is strange enough to the South African public to taste only of Aquafresh and coffee.

The Greek gods have finally deserted Cape Town’s Hellenic. Owner George Hadjidakis sold his club for R4-million to Benoni businessman Makhosini Ndlovu. The 46-year-old club has finally given in to financial pressure after twice escaping relegation by the skin of its teeth.