AFRICA AND MATTERSBURG
Nachdem wir bravouroes ein 2:2 errungen hoabn und den Beckham so geaergert hoabn, dass
er am Didi "das haeferl" kuehbauer "dem besten spieler oesterreichs" (w.gregoritsch) ein frustfoul begangen hat und ich ausserdem im BBC-World einen Bericht ueber African football magic gsegn hoab (sehr interessant), anbei ein Bericht aus eine Südafrikanischen Zeitung.
Enjoy!
(http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2004/09/05/sport/soccer/soccer02.asp)

Austrians think Jabu is best thing since schnitzel
ERNEST LANDHEER in Mattersburg, Austria

JABU "Shuffle" Pule has taken Austria by storm. Since his arrival from South Africa 11 weeks ago, he has been named the league's player of the week three times in seven matches for SV Mattersburg in the Bundesliga. He is already considered one of the best foreign players in the country.
"Everybody in Austrian football is talking about Jabu," says Mattersburg coach Muhsin Ertugral, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs.
However, while the former Kaizer Chiefs star has become a hero in Austria, he hasn't caught the eye of South African coach Stuart Baxter.
"I am surprised he hasn't phoned to ask about Pule's form in Austria," says Ertugral.
Pule, 24, made his PSL debut in 1999 with Kaizer Chiefs and soon became a hit with the fans. But the adoration was not easy to handle and Pule had some undisciplined adventures, mostly related to substance abuse.
"I needed a change, a fresh environment to concentrate 100% on my soccer," Pule explains. He admits "my spirit is still with Chiefs" and talks affectionately about club chairman Kaizer Motaung, saying:. "He's my father for life."
Pule has settled comfortably in Mattersburg and gets on well with the club's senior players, captain Dietmar "Didi" Kühbauer, who has earned 48 caps for Austria, and Sergej Mandreko.
Kühbauer approached the South African after his arrival in Austria, saying: "Jabu, I read some stuff about you on the Internet, some good, some bad. If there's anything you want to talk about, we'll find a solution."
Pule couldn't believe his ears.
"I appreciated Didi's comments enormously," he said. " I decided that day I would die for this team."
Mattersburg have earned seven points from seven games so far this season.
They were impressive in their 2-1 win against Wacker Tirol last week when a flying Pule, on the right wing, created all sorts of trouble for the defenders. Pule thinks Austrian soccer is faster than in the PSL.
"In South Africa we like diski [dribbling]," he says. "B ut sometimes we tend to hold the ball too long, instead of distributing it quicker. Players in Austria are less skilled, but they play their hearts out for 90 minutes. We all have one common goal: help each other, on and off the field."
Says Ertugral: "Jabu has adapted so quickly he's playing a little too European for my liking. I want to see more African flair."
Pule has already learnt a valuable lesson in Austria."It may sound stupid," he explains, "but I have learnt to be humble. I appreciate the respect people have for one another in Austria. We tend to be much harsher on each other in South Africa."
Pule hopes that his girlfriend, Thwana, will join him in January. They have an eight-month-old daughter.
What about playing for South Africa?
"It's not a problem if I am not selected for Bafana. I am concentrating on Mattersburg."
Deep down, of course, he hopes that his excellent form will get him recognition in South Africa.
Ertugral thinks Pule has hit the right form to help Bafana win their World Cup qualifying games: "Jabu could play with Steven Pienaar behind a lone striker. Imagine combining those two with two quick wingers. What havoc such a combination could create."