* S Africa goal drought continues Nov 19, 2009
Richards burst through the middle, evading three tackles, and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez only for captain Aaron Mokoena to rescue his team. Jamaican goalkeeper Dwayne Miller foiled the best South African chance on 10 minutes, using his right foot to block a close-range shot from Katlego Mphela after Benni McCarthy created a rare opening. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
South Africas goal drought continues against Jamaica Nov 19, 2009
Richards burst through the middle, evading three tackles, and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez only for captain Aaron Mokoena to rescue his team. Carlos Alberto Parreira, the 1994 Brazil World Cup-winning coach who began a second spell in charge of South Africa last weekend, criticised Jamaica for killing the second-half at a half-full Free State Stadium. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Bafana fire blanks again Nov 18, 2009
Bafana also wanted to dribble and show off and as result they got nowhere in the opening 45 minutes against a limited Jamaican side that looked like they would be overwhelmed but nearly shocked their hosts in the 23rd minute when Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena did brilliantly to rescue the situation when he managed to scoop Dane Richards shot off his goalline. Bafana started off confidently when Siphiwe Tshabalala threaded the ball to Katlego Mphela whose shot went wide after only two minutes. (iAfrica.com)
Bafana need a fit Benni Nov 11, 2009
com's Khaya Ndubane, the current Santos coach tells us amongst other things why he thinks a local coach should have been appointed to lead Bafana in the World Cup, the retention of underfire skipper Aaron Mokoena and, of course, the Benni factor ... KN: Calls have been made about the axing of captain Aaron Mokoena. (iAfrica.com)
Benni: I was hurting Nov 11, 2009
" He stressed, however, he had no hard feelings towards Rovers or Allardyce. He also said he was honoured to be linked with a move to Portsmouth. "Portsmouth are going through a bad patch but are still a top side," McCarthy said. "I have discussed them with Aaron Mokoena (the Bafana captain who plays for Portsmouth) and at this stage it is still a rumour. There are other clubs in England and Europe that have shown interest in me. (iAfrica.com)
Parreira axes Khenyeza Nov 10, 2009
The majority of the Bafana squad including striker Benni McCarthy and captain Aaron Mokoena were present at their Johannesburg hotel on Monday. The squad leaves for Port Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon where they face Japan at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday and then play Jamaica in Bloemfontein next Tuesday night. (iAfrica.com)
In the hot seat with Ted Nov 4, 2009
In this first edition of 'In the hotseat', former Bafana Bafana coach Ted Dumitru reveals the real reason behind Bafana Bafanas disastrous African Cup of Nations campaign in Egypt in 2006, Benni McCarthy and Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena ... KN: There have also been calls for Aaron Mokoena to be axed as Bafana captain as well, what are your views on that. (iAfrica.com)
Benni set to join Pompey Nov 3, 2009
If McCarthy's move to Portsmouth does go through, he would be the second South African player to join Pompey after Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena also joined Portsmouth from Blackburn earlier this year. Digg. (iAfrica.com)
Football: United on top of Premier League as Liverpool flop Oct 18, 2009
" Redknapp saw Spurs go ahead in the 29th minute when Niko Kranjcar - one of several former Portsmouth players in Spurs's line-up - crossed for Ledley King to head home. Before the break they were 2-0 up when Pompey old boy Jermain Defoe turned in Jermaine Jenas's cross. But in a twist former Spurs midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng fired home for Pompey from close range just before the hour and shortly afterwards Tottenham were down to 10-men when Defoe was red-carded for lashing out at South... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Coach Santanas future doubtful after latest loss Oct 13, 2009
But captain Aaron Mokoena said the team were now desperate to turn around their fortunes. The string of unconvincing performances, plus a change of leadership in the South Africa Football Association (SAFA), could spell the end for Santana, the 60-year-old Brazilian who has lost half of his 26 games in charge since taking the job in May 2008. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Mokoena: World Cup success needs strong South African team Oct 8, 2009
LONDON: The success of the World Cup in South Africa next year will depend on a strong performance by the hosts on the pitch as well as the countrys ability to stage a distinctive tournament, captain Aaron Mokoena said on Tuesday. The world should see that South Africa is a beautiful country but also that we have a strong team, Mokoena said in an interview at the launch of the FIFA-backed 1GOAL campaign, promoting an education for every child. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Bafana star out injured Oct 6, 2009
And the irony of the situation is that Pienaar's injury stems from a hefty tackle that flattened him when Everton played Portsmouth recently was delivered by none other than Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena. Coming in as a replacement in the squad that leaves for Europe on Tuesday night is Ajax Cape Town's Franklin Cale, who has been in sparkling form on the PSL of late. (iAfrica.com)
Mokoena upbeat after loss Sep 10, 2009
Aaron Mokoena insisted South Africa's players were still positive despite their run of six defeats. A 2-0 defeat to Ireland on Tuesday night means they have not won since beating New Zealand in the Confederations Cup in June. (iAfrica.com)
Lawrence, Ireland tip South Africa 1-0 in friendly Sep 9, 2009
"But I think Italy can win,'' said Trapattoni, Italy's one-time manager. --- Lineups: Ireland: Kieren Westwood; Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane (Darren O'Dea, 62), Sean St. Ledger, Eddie Nolan; Andrew Keogh (Damien Duff, 78), Darron Gibson, Keith Andrews, Liam Lawrence; Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle (Leon Best, 59). South Africa: Rowen Fernandez; Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena, Morgan Gould, Tsepo Masilela (Lucas Thwala, 78); Elrio Van Heerden (Mabudi Khenyeza, 59), Benson Mhlongo, Kagisho Dikgacoi... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
Bafana must go for broke Sep 6, 2009
Santana will have to decide who to partner skipper Aaron Mokoena with at the heart of the defence in place of Booth. He has three choices in the form of Israel based Bevan Fransman, and the two SuperSport United defenders Morgan Gould and Bongani Khumalo. (iAfrica.com)
Germany want to stamp their class over South Africa Sep 5, 2009
And South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said his team are taking the match very seriously and are eager for the opportunity to attempt an upset, despite a few injuries. The Germans are experienced, but I think we have what it takes to face them and we will have to show our mettle, said the Portsmouth star. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
› End of the road for Benni Sep 1, 2009
But, with South Africas inexperienced strikers continuing to fire blanks, and Santana failing to honour his word of selecting in-form by persevering with bench-warmers like Rowen Fernandez, Elrio van Heerden and captain Aaron Mokoena, there is still a glimmer of hope. But Benni would do well to remember the case of Nasief Morris. (iAfrica.com)
Blackburns Big Sam signs two players in one day Aug 5, 2009
Meanwhile, Aaron Mokoena has revealed he was forced to quit Blackburn and join Premier League rivals Portsmouth to preserve his dream of captaining South Africa at the 2010 World Cup. Mokoena will have the honour of leading out the Bafana Bafana when the competition is played on African soil for the first time next year. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Pompey excites Mokoena Aug 5, 2009
Aaron Mokoena in the colours of Blackburn ... Aaron Mokoena has revealed he was forced to quit Blackburn and join Premier League rivals Portsmouth to preserve his dream of captaining South Africa at the 2010 World Cup. (iAfrica.com)
The World Gears Up for Mandela Day Jul 16, 2009
Nelson Mandela and SA soccer captain Aaron Mokoena. Performers will include Taliphani (Venda dance), TK Dancers, Sechaba, Winnie Khumalo, RJ Benjamin, Chommie, Arthur, Nhlanhla Nciza, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza, Jonas Gwagwa, Kunle Ayo from Nigeria, DJ Sbu, Stoan Seate, Florence Masebe and Meshack Mavuso. (allAfrica.com)
Brazil beats South Africa, will play U.S. for title Jun 26, 2009
But with time winding down, Ramires was tripped up at the edge of the box by South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena, sending him tumbling. Daniel Alves had only been on the field for six minutes, but Dunga called on him to take the free kick. (MSNBC -- Sports)
South Africa: Lets blow Brazil away with the vuvuzelas Jun 25, 2009
Fernandez was one of four players who was in the South African team (the others are captain Aaron Mokoena, defender Matthew Booth and goalkeeper Brian Baloyi) at the Sydney Olympics, where the South African team caused a huge upset by beating the more-fancied Brazilian team 3-1. The Brazilian team included their present captain Lucio and goalkeeper Julio Cesar and nobody expected us to get anything from the match. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
South Africa: Bafana Coach Believes in Mandela Magic Jun 25, 2009
Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena -- who was a member of the Under-23 side that beat Brazil 3-1 in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games -- said he told his team-mates that the South Americans are not invincible and can be beaten. "I told the guys that our victory at the Olympics proved that anything is possible in this sport.". (allAfrica.com)
Mandela wishes South Africa luck Jun 25, 2009
He was greeted by players' rendition of "Shosholoza,'' an old chain gang song popular at sports events. "From the players' point of view, it was one of those special moments,'' South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said. "Meeting the old man was incredible. One thing about the old man is that he always had belief in us, not just in the current squad but in all the Bafana Bafana squads we have had. "It meant a lot and his presence is unbelievable. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
SABC suspends Mokoena Jun 24, 2009
Article By: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:57 SABC sports presenter Walter Mokoena was suspended following the comments he made about Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana and captain Aaron Mokoena, The Citizen newspaper reported on Wednesday. Mokoena said Santana and "Mbazo", the captain, must go after the national team's last Confederations Cup group match loss to Spain in Bloemfontein on Saturday. (iAfrica.com)
Santana is here to stay! Jun 23, 2009
The most vocal call for Santana's axing came from none other than controversial SABC sports presenter, Walter Mokoena, who not only called for Santana's axing, but also for that of Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena. Clearly unhappy about Bafana's loss to Spain in the last round of Group A, Walter Mokoena said: "You can still ask me the same question tomorrow and my answer will remain the same, Santana and Mokoena must go!". (iAfrica.com)
Hosts South Africa relieved to reach the semi-finals Jun 22, 2009
For us its great relief and its history too for us to make the semi-finals of a competition like this, captain Aaron Mokoena said after the match, which saw Spain finish top of Group A with nine points and South Africa second with four. Its a good feeling to get to the semi-final but there are mixed feelings too after the loss. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
South Africa: Bafana Bafana Through to Semifinals Jun 22, 2009
Their defense, led by Matthew Booth and Captain Aaron Mokoena, gave Fernando Torres and Xavi no space to shoot a goal. The match, played in front of thousands soccer enthusiasts, went into half time with no goals as both teams failed to convert their scoring chances. (allAfrica.com)
South Africa: Bafana Head for Confeds Cup Semis Jun 22, 2009
The backbone of the side seems to be in place, with solid performances from Itumeleng Khune, defenders Matthew Booth and Aaron Mokoena, and midfielders Steven Pienaar, MacBeth Sibaya and Teko Modise. Up front, however, the team are still looking for a replacement for Benni McCarthy, as Bernard Parker - in all fairness a converted midfielder - just hasn't got that extra yard of pace needed at the top level. (allAfrica.com)
Spain beat South Africa, set world record Jun 21, 2009
" With their semi-final berth assured before the game even started, Del Bosque, who was now won all 13 matches since he took over, rested seven players. He gave Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina a start and brought back Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but retained the formidable Fernando Torres and Villa up front. Liverpool midfielder Albert Reira nearly got them off to a flyer with a 40-yard freekick spectacularly turned around the post by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the fourth minute. Villa, a... (India Times, India)
Spain sets winning record by beating South Africa 2-0 Jun 21, 2009
South Africa's Aaron Mokoena gestures to his supporters at the end of their Confederations Cup soccer match against Spain at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein June 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). (Xinhuanet, China)
Football: Spain extend unbeaten winning streak Jun 21, 2009
After a goalless first half, the match exploded into life five minutes after the interval when Spain's Cesc Fabregas was crudely fouled in the area by Aaron Mokoena, who has just signed a contract with Portsmouth and has regularly faced the Arsenal midfielder in the English Premier League. In-demand Valencia striker David Villa stepped up to take it, but his spot-kick was superbly pushed away by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, diving to his right. (CNN -- International)
> SA reach Confed semis Jun 21, 2009
The fireworks began six minutes into the second half when Fabregas was brought down by South African captain Aaron Mokoena and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. Villa stepped up but Khune saved and then dealt with the rebound from Carlos Puyol. (iAfrica.com)
Confed Cup: South Africa goes through after big scare Jun 21, 2009
Captain Aaron Mokoena was also celebrating. "The most important thing is that we went through," Mokoena said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
SAfrica has Spain as key test to its credentials Jun 18, 2009
"It will be a good feeling to beat Spain," South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said confidently. Along with towering defender Matthew Booth, Mokoena has been key in making sure that goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has yet to be threatened in the tournament. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Bafana ready for battle Jun 18, 2009
Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena. Backpagepix. (iAfrica.com)
Santana springs surprise Jun 5, 2009
Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Bryce Moon (Panithinikos, Greece), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Innocent Mdledle(Orlando Pirates). Midfielders: Lance Davids (SuperSport United), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Siphiwe... (iAfrica.com)
Mokoena off to Pompey May 26, 2009
Portsmouth-bound Aaron Mokoena ... Article By: Mon, 25 May 2009 17:31 South Africa and Blackburn star Aaron Mokoena has confirmed he has agreed a three-year contract with Portsmouth. (iAfrica.com)
Portugal end victory drought, thanks to Deco magic Apr 2, 2009
South African goalkeeper Itume-leng Khule and Blackburn s Aaron Mokoena formed a solid last rampart against the Manchester United player, allowing the Bafana Bafana to edge back into the game on a chilly evening in Lausanne. Eduardo was rarely troubled until shortly before half-time, when he scrambled the ball clear from the feet of a South African striker in Ba--fa-na Bafana s clearest chance of the match. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Portugal coasts to win over So. Africa in friendly Apr 1, 2009
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris, Lucas Thwala, Teko Modise (Surprise Moriri, 76), Lance Davids (Tsepo Masilela, 72), Macbeth Sibaya, Steven Pienaar (Masilo Madubi, 64), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Mabhudi Khenyeza, 64), Bernard Parker (Katlego Mashego, 78). More Soccer Latest Soccer News. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Soccer)
* Rooney says United wont falter in chase for trophies Feb 21, 2009
With Rovers Premier League status still very much in the balance, chairman John Williams admits decisions over the futures of Andre Ooijer, Tugay and South African midfielder Aaron Mokoena will not be taken until their contracts expire after the end of the season. Our whole focus has to be on staying up at the moment, Williams said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
S. Africa worst team to host World Cup? Feb 13, 2009
Everton's Steven Pienaar has arguably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, Blackburn's Aaron Mokoena has excelled in a struggling team. Striker Benni McCarthy has been brought back in from the cold after regular arguments with a succession of coaches at both national and international level. (CNN -- World)
