Phuthu Stay Phut, Don't go!

Saturday 21 March, 7.45pm: Subiaco Oval, Perth
What an outstanding performance from the Sharks this past weekend as they started with a  0 – 3 trail to Western Force, Giteau opened the score with a penalty from right in front of the poles. In the 31st minutes of the game the Sharks started to lay on the pressure as spectators held their breath to see François Steyn attempt a drop kick which proved to be very successful – well done Francois!

During the second half, The Force retained possession of the ball and took a free-kick on The Sharks 10m line. A sudden turnover gave the Sharks the opportunity to gain some ground with Pietersen scoring the Sharks first try, a missed conversion then by Kockott still edging the Sharks into the lead. The Force aggressively tried to gain ground while in possession of the ball but the Sharks defense line proved once again to be outstanding. During the 59 minutes of the match a turnover once again send Ndungane flying over the try line to score and securing the Sharks their second try, Kockott converted the try.

During the 66 minutes of the match Kockott set safe and clear by scoring the 3rd try for the Sharks and then again nudging the points by converting the try. A well set challenge by Western Force was presented during the 74 minutes of the match when Staniforth gained some ground by scoring a try  and Giteau converting it but unfortunately it didn’t do enough for their score. A great attempt from Western Force and a good performance overall from both sides but there can only be one winner as the Sharks return to South Africa boasting 3 wins out of 4 games. Well done Sharks!

Results by:  www.sharksrugby.co.za

Seeing that the Boss Lady is busy killing herself at the Epic, I might as well take advantage of the situation and make myself comfortable on the leather couch. I pour myself a cup of rooibos tea, put my feet up, close my eyes and go into thinking mode.

What do I love about this country?

There is so much that I can say, things that you have probably all heard before. I can use beautiful clichés that will make you reach for the bucket or get seriously cheesy. I choose to be honest, if it comes across as being cheesy, you just need to deal with it.

As I was thinking about this country, my thoughts wandered off to the Bushveld, bon fires, sunsets, thorn trees, the jovial background noise of friends, cooler boxes, Springbokkies (shooters), rugby…
From here my thoughts automatically took the trail to Harties (Hartebeespoort Dam) where I could envision loads of craft stalls, sailboats, a middle-aged  man with a big beer boep, Dozi, and a bush pub where I was just about to order something to drink…
when my thoughts did a predictable one-eighty degree turn down to Cape Town, Camps Bay,  the colourful accent of the Capies, the buzzing vibe, drumming, a very blue but cold ocean, Blouberg, Kalk Bay, Tieties Bay, kite surfing, fynbos…  and I realised it’s the familiarity that makes me feel so at home. It’s like an old pair of leather shoes – so comfy!

If I live anywhere else I simply won’t be able to connect.

I speak as a true South African music fan and I feel that South African musicians need to be true to their environment and true to their culture. South Africa’s rich talent seems to be picked from us once it is discovered. Take Seether for example, I remember the day that Barney Simon (5fm DJ) introduced them as an up and coming band. They were known as Saron Gas back then; I even have the CD to prove it. Where did Barney go? He knew things that not even the bands themselves knew.

Before Seether was the Springbok Nude Girls with their killer hit “Bubblegum on My Boots”, my older sister used to bop to that song! At least we still get to see a bit of Arno every now and then. And who could ever forget that song of unity from Mandoza, Nkalakatha where every person of every race on the dance floor miraculously knew how to do the traditional Gumboot Dance.

The South African band, Freshly Ground found itself popular no, not on tossed salads, but in London before we even properly exposed them in South Africa. No matter where you hear them you will feel a strong sense of pride in your country. There are a number of young hopefuls that we pray won’t leave us, musicians such as Goldfish, Palotones and Jessie Clegg who is none other than our very own Johnny Clegg’s son. These guys have displayed the kind of talent that we don’t want to lose.
We all love a good party and music is instrumental (excuse the pun), in creating a good atmosphere. The Gang of Instrumentals seemed to launch their song, “Woza December” just at the right time with Christmas and all the festivities that go along with it, highlighting the spirit of an African over that period with the words “Summer Fiesta”! Although I always seem to be scouting for new South African talent I still have my favorite tunes that strike old memories such as the song “Give me hope Jo’anna” from Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels who also came out with the song, “If you want to be happy for the rest of your life”.
Our lifestyles in South Africa give us so much to make music about and by strumming the true South African spirit we portray a unity and pride that no other country in the world can harmonise with!