Dans Journey Around The World [FM15]

Cheers Shedender.

Thanks SBR, I'm not too worried, theres always next season!

Another warm summer here in South Africa has come and gone, my third summer in charge in fact and we were now getting ready for a third season competing here in the National First Division, trying to get out of the division, we've come close twice now, maybe its third time lucky, heres a quick summer round up.


We lost two players on free transfers but brought in these three to replace them, one on loan and two as free transfers but I think we've strengthened the squad, the defence was pretty pleasing last season anyway but we have brought in one new striker as well as a new midfielder, both looking strong. We've got a big squad, plenty of rotation required to hopefully take us towards the title this year.


A very good pre season on paper for us, we had an easy run of the games facing most lower sides, the only higher team we played was Wits and they beat us two one, annoyingly we only kept two clean sheets throughout this busy schedule but wins are wins and draws are also fine at this stage of the season.


Two seasons ago we were predicted to finished twelfth, last season fifteenth, this season we are back to being predicted to finish twelfth, despite finishing in the top three and finishing second in the playoffs for the last two seasons running. We are predicted to finish above both newly promoted teams, however last seasons relegated side Santos FC and previous FS Stars are both high favorites for the league title. We kick our season off against none other than Royal Eagles!

Next Post: FC A.K. - August 2060

The league season is here upon us, a third season here in the National First Division and hopefully this is the year for us, third time lucky for promotion and hopefully the top spot having finished third and then second over the last two seasons. We've got three games in August with another tricky game against Royal Eagles...


An unbeaten start to the league season with an opening day draw followed by two strong victories to start us off on the right foot. Shame we still haven't beaten Royal Eagles in my time in charge but hopefully it won't upset us too much this season.

A trip to Royal Eagles kicked off the month where we lost out on all three points, drawing two a piece. Phakathi netted a spot kick in the seventeenth minute before the host netted either side of the break. Maseko netted the equaliser just nine minutes from time to secure us a point.

Our only home game in the opening month saw us welcome FC Cape Town who we beat comfortably four one. Tsodzo got his season off the mark with a brace in the first half as we led at half time two one. Second half Ngidi and Maseko helped us get over the line and secure a dominant showing.

And finally a trip to Vasco CT saw us leave it late to seal al three points. Centre back Ian Maseko gave us the lead after half an hour. Second half we were pulled back level before striker Ivan Maseko netted the winner two minutes from time.


Seven points from our opening three games, table is pretty pointless to look at this moment but still in with a shout early on, there are four of us on seven points after the opening three games, Thanda Royal Zulu are also unbeaten having picked up five points from their three games, Highlanders also unbeaten early on.

Next Post: FC A.K. - September 2060

Unlucky Dan! Good luck on giving it another go next time

Thanks Pippadoc theres always net season, and the one after, and so on!

Having made a strong start to the league season once again we strolled into September inside the top three, however we now need to try and recreate that early form and take it on throughout the season, as we went into September we were set to face another four league games and hoped we could stay unbeaten.


Despite a strong start to the month, the two tricky ties at the end really cost us as we lost out by a single goal in both. Strong wins first off but Santos and Black Leopards really held their own against us.

We welcomed Cape Town All Stars and beat them four one. We initially went behind! But then Maseko and Khambule netted before the break sending us ahead. Boseeka and Matebane netted in the final five minutes as we ran across the line here.

A trip to African Warriors saw the goals continue to rain in as we struck a big five one victory. Phakathi netted a spot kick for us, striker Ivan Maseko netted two in four minutes, our centre back Maseko netted one whilst Ngidi also netted a second half goal.

We welcomed Santos FC, last seasons relegated side and fell to a two one defeat, narrow for sure. We trailed before Khambule levelled for us. We conceded in the second half to lose out two one.

And then a defeat to Black Leopards on the road saw us crash to two defeats on the bounce, losing out one nil.


Well we sit second at the end of the month despite the collapse in form late on, we now need to switch back on and try and catch up FS Stars who sit six points clear at the top early on.

Next Post: FC A.K. - October 2060

Not a good month But still in top 3

Yeah still in contention Johno

It seems we are currently unable to see out an unbeaten month since August, we are struggling a little to hold on throughout and even this month we slipped up slightly. This was one of the busiest months I've faced since taking charge as we faced a full six games throughout the next four weeks of October, celebrating a third birthday in a row here in South Africa.


Well, not a bad month thats for sure, our only defeat was one I accepted as it was against top team FS Stars who are in control of the league so far. We've battled through the busy six game month,

We welcomed Ga-Rankuwa United to kick off the month and we strolled to a four one victory. Matebane netted first for us before the travelling side levelled. Khambule sent us infront again before the break. Second half Mtshali and Ntuli both found the net as we secured an easy victory.

A trip to Highlands Park saw us win three one, Matebane netting again, he had two first half goals before Maseko netted eleven minutes from time, securing another comfortable win.

A two nil defeat at home against FS Stars, poor showing, poor performance, poor result.

A trip to Witbank Spurs saw us return to good form and winning ways, we trailed at the break but a good eight minute turn around came. Maseko netted in the sixtieth and sixty second minute, sending us two one up before Boseeka made it three two, we held on though.

Our final home game of the month saw us welcome Thanda Royal Zulu and win two one, again we started slowly and trailed at the break. Goals from Boseeka and Matebane turned the game around for us.

Boring nil nil draw with SSU Acadamey ended the month, a game we should be winning.


Well, FS Stars stay top of the pile heading into November but we keep on the pressure as we now sit four points clear of them with us in second place. Black Leopards in third place are level on points with us, trailing on goal difference only whilst fourth placed side Golden Arrows sit a further point behind us.

Next Post: FC A.K. - November 2060

Not doing too badly.That fs stars defeat must of been hard to take and I hope you get top spot this year.The playoffs haven't been good for you so far.Of course it could be different this year though.Good luck mate.

Indeed we're not SBR, just need to try and keep it going and press on at the top!

Another calender year has absolutely flown by as we head into the final month of 2060, the winter month of the year in the very warm South Africa, a third Christmas here, still competing in the same competition I was when I originally took charge. Could we produce the perfect month to take into the New Year and pile some real pressure on the league leaders FS Stars...


A very homely final month of the season definitely helped us out here as we sailed to the end of the calender year, two clean sheets along with two wins and a draw, you could have guessed we'd fail to beat Royal Eagles for a sixth time in as many meetings, its routine now.

We welcomed Roses United for the first game of December, beating them one nil as Phakathi netted and for once it wasn't from the spot.

Welcoming Golden Arrows we won three nil, another more than comfortable win as we strolled to a three nil victory. Matebane netted after two minutes with Maseko and Khambule all netting before the break.

And to end the calender year, a one all draw with Royal Eagles, failing to beat them in all six encounters now!


Well well well, its tight at the top as we head into the New Year and now with fourteen league games to go, its a very, very close race for the top spot. FS Stars lead the way on goal difference over us. We then sit a point clear of third place Santos with Black Leopards just three points off the top in fourth place.

Next Post: FC A.K. - January 2061

3 points gained on the leaders in that month.Very solid even with that draw.Keep it up mate.

I'm not surprised you're having another tremendous campaign at the club, hope you can get over the finishing line this time.

Thanks SBR, closing the gap for sure

Hopefully Shedender, we shall see!

The final month of the calender year for us was here, we looked to really take control of the league, catching up with the leaders and even try and jump ahead of them as we look to go into the New Year at the end of these last three games...


An unbeaten final calender month of the year for us, we drew the opening of December but certainly helped to put the pressure on as we turned it around with a big win at home against Vasco CT before easily entering the first round of the Nedbank Cup.

A trip to FC Cape Town so us nearly lose, we played poorly and it was only a late own goal that equalised the game which earned us the point.

We returned home to welcome Vasco CT where we claimed a massive five two victory. Maseko was brilliant here, netting four of our five goals whilst Khambule also found the net for us.

We then welcomed Highlanders, in the Nedbank Cup Preliminary Round in which we dominated to reach the First Round of the competition. We score through Maseko, Matebane, Boseeka and Manyama.


And so we go into the New Year joint top of the table, trailing by just goal difference and not too much of that either, with twelve league games to go, its sure to be a tight affair to the end once again!

Next Post: FC A.K. - January 2061

Happy New Year, 2061 was here, seems like I've been in South Africa for ages already, three New Years I've seen in now I think and still enjoying it here despite making next to no progress on the challenge lately. January was a short month due to the return of the AFCON meaning we played just two games.


As I said, just two games this month, we welcomed the New Year with another two games unbeaten with a three nil win and then a draw as we returned home for the first time in the calender year.

We travelled to Cape Town All Stars and produced a superb three nil victory. Matebane netted after eight minutes and then made it two nil ten minutes into the second half whilst Mtshali netted eleven minutes from time.

Then we welcomed African Warriors and drew one all. Going into the break one down before Tsodzo levelled after the break.


FS Stars regain their lead at the top of the pile as they move two points clear of us as we now in second and trailing them with just ten games remaining this season. Santos FC are still in the running and sit just a point behind us in third place whilst Black Leopards are also just outside the playoffs.

Next Post: FC A.K. - February 2061

You're doing well once again but I've on question...

What's it with all teams with the name "all stars" end up struggling? Trades description act.

Who knows Shedender, however that hasn't been our excuse the last two seasons, we haven't got that name yet still can't get out this darn league!

It seemed to be a season that wasn't going to go our way, every time we got close, we seemed to do our best to blow it away, into February I was hoping we could finally produce one of the perfect months with us facing league and cup action and accidently one game into March as I got a little too carried away...


A big, poor defeat to open up February saw us lose pace on the league leaders and allow Santos FC to close the gap on us! We managed to advance through the Nedbank Cup First Round as we knocked out high flying Premiership side Wits before comfortably ending and start February and March.

As stated, we lost poorly on the first game of February, a trip to Santos FC saw us lose out four two, both our goals came in the second half as Matebane and Maseko both netted for us, but we never deserved to win this one.

Bidvest Wits currently sit fourth in the Premiership, we were superb here though to win four one in the Nedbank Cup first round, seeing us comfortably advance with this cupset! A four one win with goals from Mtshali and Matebane before the break, whilst Ivan Maseko netted a second half brace.

Back to league action, we moved a little clearer from Black Leopards as we struck a superb five three win. Four of our five goals before the break as Ngidi, and Tsodzo struck solo goals and Matebane grabbed a brace whilst Ngidi netted late into the second half.

And then I accidently started March where we more than comfortably beat Ga-Rankuwa United, a dominant six one win saw the defence stay tight and our free scoring self stay the same. Khambule netted a double as did Maseko whilst Matebane and Tsodzo both struck single goals


Another three league games down and just seven remaining now, but we still trail FS Stars by three points, we seem to be playing well lately, however they are playing equally as good and maintaining the gap and momentum at the top of the table. I believe we still need to play them as we close in the league season.

Next Post: FC A.K. - March 2061

Seven games to go and seven games to finally secure the league title. Good luck.

I can hope at least Shedender, it seems like this one will come down to the wire!

After a thumping victory at home against Ga-Rakuwara United, we only had two more games to play in March and needed to continue this form, with a game in the league as well as a game in the cup, we looked to try and keep the pressure up on FS Stars as well as trying to reach the Quarter Final of the Nedbank Cup for a third season running.


Well, we've managed to do both! Tow home games throughout March's remaining games, one in the league, where we won narrowly and one in the Nedbank Cup as we beat another Premiership team to reach the Quarter Finals of the competition three years running.

We welcomed Highlands Park and grabbed a three two win. Phakathi netted a spot kick before the travelling side levelled before half time. Maseko netted a quick brace in the second half just after kick off, we conceded a second but held on for another big three points.

We then welcomed Premiership relegation fighters Maritzburg United, the side that stopped us in our playoff bid last year, and we beat them here in the Nedbank Cup Second Round three one. Matbane took the applause as it was his hatrick, the final goal three minutes into injury time, that earnt us our spot in the Quarter Finals.


It doesn't look like its going to be our season for the top spot once again! FS Stars continue their form as they stay three points ahead of us now with just six league games remaining. They also have a plus eight goal difference better than ours so we need them to slip up twice yet, we do still have to play them however.

Next Post: FC A.K. - April 2061

It's going to be a tough run in, can't remember but do you still have to play FS Stars?

We do indeed Shedender, we play them this month!

Into April we go, the final full month of the league season and after this month, we'll have just one game of the original league season left with potentially the league title still in with a shout for us. It seemed to be a three or even four horse race at this point and with us facing five league games this month as well as the Nedbank Cup Quarter Finals, how would we fare..


Our form began to really slip in the middle of the month, it was a heavy month on paper in fairness as we faced six games throughout April, five in the league which saw us win three, draw one and lose one, as well as face another Premiership side in the Nedbank Cup, Quarter Final, where our run ended for a third season running.

A trip to league leaders FS Stars saw us shock the league leaders and close in on the top spot. Matebane netted in the opening minute before Khambule put us two one up with a penalty thirteen minutes from time, the host netted a late goal but only a consolation.

We then welcomed Witbank Spurs and grabbed a two nil victory, an own goal just before the break sent us on our way before Maseko struck six minutes from time, putting it beyond doubt.

The Nedbank Cup Quarter Finals saw us face premiership side Supersport United where we slipped to defeat, we were never good enough here, losing out three nil, allowing us to focus solely on the league now!

A trip to Thanda Royal Zulu saw us drop points, its definitely points dropped. Matebane and Khambule helped to put us two nil up at the break. However conceding twice in the second half cost us big points.

Then a poor one nil defeat at home against SSU Academy, throwing away the chance of winning the league here.

Thankfully we ended the month with a comfortable victory as we travelled to Roses United and came back from behind, one nil down at the break. Matebane grabbed the headlines as he struck all four in this comprehensive victory!


Normally I wouldn't leave the league run with just one game running and left in May, but with the league title and playoff spots so open, its worth leaving it on a knife edge slightly. FS Stars are top of the table and a single point clear of us in second place, they also sport a better goal difference than we do. Black Leopards in third can also still win the league however need a very high scoring game, they sit two points behind us whilst fourth place Santos FC can still secure a playoff spot as well. To the final game it goes...

Next Post: FC A.K. - May 2061

At least you have secured the minimum of a play-off spot due to your better GD, good luck on the final day, I'm sure you can secure the league title.

Well Shedender, the waiting is over...

We either had one game left this season or we have five to go this season. Its been a very close season thats for sure and now we had one game to try and better FS Stars and jump them on the last day to the league title, it was unlikely but we'd give it a good go, if not, we would be set for a third year in the playoffs...


We blew it! Any chance of securing the league title was gone here in this poor showing as we lose out to eventual nine man Golden Arrows. They led from a spot kick after half an hour and despite playing the last thirty three minutes with ten men and the last five with nine men, we failed to get back into the game and losing out one nil, would we hold on to a playoff spot...


Had Black leopards of won their final game of the season, we would of been out of the playoffs! Instead we finish second for a second season running and head to the playoffs for a third season running. FS Stars win the league by four points in the end whilst we finished level on points with Santos FC who ended third.


And so this is the two teams and four games we face in this years ABSA Premiership Playoff Mini League, it won't be easy, we've faced both in the playoffs before as we go head to head with Santos FC and Chippa United as the latter fight for their safety in the Premiership.

Next Post: FC A.K. - Playoff Mini League 2061

What a career you've had Dan! It's taken me a while to catch up on it all.

Fingers crossed you can get Promotion this season!

Thanks a million Pippadoc! Thanks for catching up on it, it'd be nice to get it third time running!

You're probably getting bored of this stage of the season now, just as I am, a third season here and a third season in these bloody playoffs, just wish we could nail it this time and head into the top tier at long last, its been a while since I last won a trophy, surely its got to come to an end sooner rather than later...


Well it wasn't solid form throughout the playoffs but it wasn't too bad, if results went our way in other games it could certainly prove enough to see us through potentially. We beat Santos F.C. both times, winning two one at home and then two nil away from home. However it wasn't such good news against Chippa United, they beat us five two at their place before we lost one nil at home.

How'd the playoff table finish...


GOD DAMMIT!!! A third season where we've narrowly failed to get through the playoffs! We all finished tied on points here in the mini league as Santos F.C. go through top of the mini league by a single goal, we finish second with a minus one goal difference but finishing ahead of now relegated Chippa United on goals scored.

Next Post: FC A.K. - Pre Season Round Up 2061

Oh ffs Dan, not again.

Haha Afraid so Shedender, afraid so!

A fourth warm summer here in South Africa and I think if I don't make it out this division this time round it'll be time to pack my bags and move on, it feels like I've been here forever thats for sure. There was only one loan deal this summer, apart from that no new faces were required to be added to the squad. We also had a board takeover this summer who has cleared the debts.


Here is the squad, as always, if you wish to see a player or any particular screen shot, just ask and I will fire it out in my response to you as always, with the bulk of the squad still together I'm hoping we can get off to a fast start this year.


An easy summer on paper, all against lower leagued teams and this has seen us go on a strong summer run, remaining unbeaten with four wins and three draws. Nice to see us also keep four clean sheets in the final five games of the summer.


Well, the media are up to their tricks once again, they've tipped us back up at 40/1 for the title and we are predicted to finish down in thirteenth place this season, you would of thought after three seasons finishing in the playoffs they'd bump our odds up a little bit by now!

Next Post: FC A.K. - August + September 2061

Oh that is such stupid luck in the playoff last season, mate. and the papers predicting you to finish that low? I think they need to re-evaluate your squad. Good luck!

It just means that once again there is no pressure on you fella. Please don't fail in the play-off's again.

I know Gendo, my.luck hasn't been in since arriving in South Africa it seems! The media are rubbish here Too

Well hopefully we do the job this year Shedender

The new season has started and as we headed into the 2061/62 season it was important to try and get off on the right foot, however August gave us two games, and that would see us face both relegated sides from the Premiership last season, we then faced three games throughout September as well to take us to the opening five games of the season, hopefully a strong start for us...


What a start! Easily the best team off the blocks this season! We beat both sides relegated from the Premiership last season in Chippa United who we completely bowled over and then Jomo Cosmos. After that we went on to win the remaining three games in September and kept three clean sheets.

What a start we got off to, we welcomed Chippa United and smashed them seven goals to nil! First half goals for Khambule, Maseko, Phakathi and Vaz saw us four nil up at the break, second half Ivan Maseko netted another two to seal a hatrick whilst Tsodzo also found the net.

We then welcomed Jomo Cosmos who were also relegated last season, we went on to win three one again. Maseko netted his fourth goal of the season but it was one a piece at the break. Second half we came back with two goals immediately as Tsodzo and Khambule both netd.

Our first trip this season saw us go to Dynamos, a newly promoted team and another comfortable win as we won two nil. Khambule netted for a third game running before an own goal in the second half helped seal the win.

Same score came as we returned home and welcomed Roses United. The three nil win came with Khambule making it five goals in four for himself as he netted a brace whilst Majiet also found the back of the net.

And finally another big win, we travelled to Golden Arrows and beat them six two! Ivan Maseko netted a superb hatrick, taking him to seven goals in the opening five games, Khambule netted one taking him to six in five wwhilst Ngidi and Boseeka also netted for us.


Dominant start, we've started well most seasons though and seem to slip up around the winter but hopefully after our heartbreak over the last few years, this can be our season to absolutely run away from the rest of the pack!

Next Post: FC A.K. - October 2061

Things are looking good for that second place finish pal KIU.

I like what you've done there Shedender and we probably will blow it and lose top spot still!

Well what a start we had made to the season over the first couple of months, five games played and five games won as we show we are keen to grab promotion fourth time of asking with any luck. Its been a tough start thats for sure on paper but we've proved what we've got, going into October top of the pile and clear just looking to extend that run over the next four games...


The form just continues as we battled to another four games and another four wins, only one more clean sheet to add to our tally early days this season but its pleasing with the form we are producing, a good win over Black Leopards who have proved difficult over the seasons thats for sure.

We welcomed FC Cape Town to kick off October and won two nil. Phakathi was the man to thank as he struck both goals for us, the first after five minutes with the second coming two minutes before the break.

A trip to promoted side Atilie FC saw us win two one. Khambule continued his fine start to this season netting a brace here, a goal either side of the break whilst the host netted a late consolation goal.

We then welcomed the difficult Black Leopards and beat them two one at home. An own goal three minutes inset us on before Phakathi netted a spot kick before the half hour mark. The travelling side pulled one back before the break before we played out a goalless second half.

Finally a trip to Thanda Royal Zulu and beating them three one. Khambule netted another brace here as he takes his tally to ten goals in nine games this season whilst centre back Ian Maseko also netted for us.


Well, nine games played this season and nine games won this season! The only annoying thing is that Jomo Cosmos seem to be keeping up the pressure on us as we sit just five points clear early on. Hopefully our form can continue and we can head into the New Year in a couple months time easily up on the rest of the pack.

Next Post: FC A.K. - November 2061

Smashing start to the season mate and you deserve it after failing in the play-off's for the past three seasons.