Foul mouth Maradona

The man dubbed 'El pipe de oro' (The golden boy) was once a godlike figure is his native Argentina, but my, how times have changed. After his beloved Argentina managed to scrape through to the World Cup finals in South Africa, Maradona, ? instead of relaxing and savouring his triumph ? launched into a sexually explicit foul-mouthed rant at his growing army of media critics...

"Today we are in the World Cup finals with help from nobody but with honour. To all of you who did not believe in us, and I apologise to all the women here, you can suck it and keep sucking it." ? Enough said...

"I am not afraid"

Upon his arrival at OR Tambo International, following another depressing second rate showing on their Scandinavian travels, Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana foolishly tried to justify the teams' poor displays against Iceland and Norway.

"Obviously I am not happy with the losses, but it was a good outing for the side."

"It was important for my players to experience the rigours of international football as it will build their character. I am happy that I gave some players a chance away from home, and they did not disappoint. ? How much more character building does this team need Joel?

"I am not afraid for my job because I have the backing of the leadership of the South African Football Association (Safa)."

"We are using these friendlies to prepare, and for us this was important to play such countries because these are the kind of matches and opponents we will face in the World Cup, which is the bigger picture." ? As a matter of fact, Iceland and Norway have not qualified for 2010.

Once again Santana has shown he is way out of his depth, lets hope Safa finally get off their backsides and deport Mr Santana back to his homeland.

Always the optimist Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena believes that despite the losses, the nation should not lose hope.

"We came on this trip with uncapped players who got a run and in the process they did not disappoint." ? Somehow I think Mokoena's idea of disappointment is distorted.

"Yes we are still not happy that we are not getting positive results, but on the other hand we have blended in some players and now it?s up to the coach to finalise his World Cup squad."

'Kick under the butt'

Following a disappointing 25-27 loss to the Golden Lions Western Province coach Allister Coetzee responded in an unusual manner.

"The defeat to the Lions was a nice kick under the butt and we need to rectify things quickly. If there were guys who were flying they will be back to earth now."

Harry not bothered by 'idiots'

As Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp prepared for a return to his former club, he chose to send out a warning to those Portsmouth supporters who still hold a grudge against him for leaving Fratton Park for Spurs last year.

"People who have got any sense look at what I did for that football club."

"I took them from the bottom of the Championship to winning the Championship and becoming a top-seven, top-eight Premier League club, winning the FA Cup.

"If people are stupid enough to shout abuse they need their heads looking at in my opinion.

"I'm not bothered about the idiots. There are enough good people at the club who I know well and appreciate what I did there.

"Am I bothered about some nutter running up to me? No. I don't need security, I can look after myself." - 'Idiots' you've been warned.