Monday 27 January 2014


Juan Mata: New Man Utd signing keen to link up with Rooney

Manchester United's record signing Juan Mata has said he cannot wait to link up with new team-mate Wayne Rooney.
It has been reported that Mata's £37.1m move from Chelsea could lead to a potential summer switch for Rooney in the opposite direction.
But Rooney, 28, is now in talks with United to extend his current deal.
Spain forward Mata, 25, said: "For me, he's one of the best players in the history of this country. He's an unbelievable player."

Mata at Chelsea

Juan Mata
2011-12: 54 appearances, 12 goals, Champions League winner, FA Cup winner
2012-13: 64 appearances, 20 goals, Europa League winner
2013-14: 17 appearances, 1 goal
(Stats are for all competitions)
Mata, who has signed a contract understood to run until summer 2018, could line up alongside Rooney for Tuesday's Premier League game at home to Cardiff City.
"He's a striker who can score, assist and come into midfield to take the ball," added Mata of the England international.
"I will try to connect with him as much as possible and find the gaps in rival defences. I think that's my best style of play, to get into positions where I can assist the strikers."
Mata, who will wear the number eight shirt, also said United's never-say-die attitude meant they could still retain their league title.
"What I like most about this club is the character," said Mata, who was twice Chelsea's player of the year.
"I think if another club were in this position in the league, it would be very difficult to come back and take first position, but this club can do it.
"This is the real image I have from Manchester United, always fighting to win titles, always coming back from difficult moments."

Analysis

"It was hard not to be impressed by Juan Mata at Manchester United's Carrington training ground. The Spaniard swerved around every awkward question and looked genuinely delighted to be a United player, while always remaining complimentary and respectful about his former employees.
"He was particularly impressed by United's decision to fly him up from London by helicopter for his medical. David Moyes couldn't keep the smile off his face throughout. He is clearly delighted to have got his man."
The former Valencia player scored 32 goals for the Blues and made more than 130 appearances but had failed to command a regular starting place under Jose Mourinho, who returned to Chelsea last summer for a second spell as manager.
Mata, capped 32 times by World and European champions Spain, admitted moving to Old Trafford was "really important" to his hopes of making his country's World Cup squad.
United boss David Moyes said he was surprised the club was able to sign a player of Mata's calibre during the January transfer window.
"I am thrilled," said Moyes, whose team are seventh in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. "I got wind a month or two ago it could be possible, but I never thought we could pull it off.
"When we got the sniff there was a chance Juan could be available we went after it right away. There will be more players like Juan in the future. I've no doubts about that." www.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com

Sunday 26 January 2014

Manchester United make big offer for Chelsea target Luke Shaw


MANCHESTER UNITED have made a big offer for Southampton star Luke Shaw.
Manchester United, Man Utd, fans, David Moyes, Champions League, Wilfried Zaha Southampton star Luke Shaw has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United [GETTY]
It's understood the Old Trafford side have offered a deal worth £22.5m for the defender and are now waiting for a reply from the south coast outfit.
It looks certain the new bid will test the mettle of the new Saints interim chief operating officer Gareth Rogers.
Southampton chairman Katharina Liebherr’s determination not to sell any stars this month could be a potential obstacle for any of Shaw's suitors, with Chelsea also linked with a move for the full-back.
Liebherr said this month: "The club has no plans to sell any of the squad during the January transfer window.
"The manager and the team have my full support.”
Southampton have put a huge £30m price tag on their prized asset, as revealed by StarSport this month.
That fee would be the highest sum ever paid for a full-back, beating the £29.5m Barcelona splashed out to sign Dani Alves in 2008.
Full story: Daily Star 


Chelsea to sell Lukaku to buy Cavani


Chelsea are targeting Edinson Cavani for a summer swoop.GettyImagesChelsea are targeting Edinson Cavani for a summer swoop.
Chelsea are planning a summer shopping spree that includes Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani. Just one problem – they’ll have to sell Romelu Lukaku to raise the money!

Meanwhile Manchester City are also keeping a close eye on PSG, waiting in the wings to pounce on Blaise Matuidi and guess the nationality of Newcastle’s next transfer target?

It’s good news and bad news for Chelsea fans with the Mirror reporting that the Stamford Bridge outfit are preparing a big money move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani in the summer. Here’s the kicker though -- the club will have to sell Belgium international Romelu Lukaku to fund the transfer. Reports have surfaced that Uruguay international Cavani has grown restless in the Paris capital after being played out of position by PSG boss Laurent Blanc. And that’s all Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho needs to decide to make a play for the 26-year-old. But that will mean the end of Lukaku, a striker who has scored 26 Premier League goals while on loan at Everton and West Brom. Tottenham, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are waiting to pounce.

Manchester City are in hot pursuit of PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi with the Sun reporting that the Premier League high-flyers will offer the France international 8 million pounds to join the Eastlands club. Matuidi’s contract with the Ligue 1 champions is set to expire at the end of the season with the 26-year-old no closer to extending his 40,000 pound-a-week contract with the club. And that has caught the attention of rival clubs with City expected to lure the holding midfielder with a whopping offer as they can sign him for a free in the summer.

Finally, Newcastle’s love affair with French talent knows no end with the Daily Star reporting that the Magpies have Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier on their radar. The 23-year-old France international has earned rave reviews for the Ligue 1 club this season, scoring six goals in all competitions. However, that talent could soon be on show in the Premier League with Newcastle boss Alan Pardew hoping to add Grenier to his stable of French stars. But Pardew could have a fight on his hands with Arsenal and Liverpool also interested in the 10 million pound rated player. www.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com

Saturday 25 January 2014


Official: Roma loan Borriello to West Ham

Official: Roma loan Borriello to West Ham
The forward becomes the Hammers second signing of the day following Antonio Nocerino's arrival from AC Milan, with both players penning deals until the end of the season
Wes Ham signed a second Italy international on Saturday as Marco Borriello joined on loan from Roma for the rest of the season.

Striker Borriello follows compatriot Antonio Nocerino to Upton Park after the midfielder made a similar switch from Milan earlier in the day.

Borriello joined Roma from Milan for £10 million in July 2011 following a successful loan spell, but has struggled to establish himself at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 31-year-old has spent time at Juventus and Genoa on loan, and scored 12 goals while at the latter for the duration of last season.

However, the forward, who has seven caps for Italy, has managed just one goal in 11 appearances for Roma this term.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will hope Borriello can recapture his best form alongside Andy Carroll up front as the Londoners, who have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches, battle to avoid relegation.

Borriello said goodbye to Roma fans on his official Twitter page on Friday, but left his destination out of the message.

"A salute to all the fans of Roma," he wrote. "These have been fantastic months, crowned by a wonderful record. Thank you all."www.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com
Manchester United added 5 new photos to the album Gallery: Mata's Arrival.
Juan Mata was greeted by David Moyes after he touched down by helicopter at the Aon Training Complex for his medical. Watch exclusive footage of his arrival here: http://on.fb.me/1aShuoi. ‪#‎mufcmata‬











Mata meets Moyes

Juan Mata has arrived at the Aon Training Complex to begin his medical. ‪#‎mufcmata‬
Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex handed UEFA role

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is to take up an ambassadorial role with UEFA.
The Old Trafford director confirmed he will adopt another position within the game while continuing to work for the Reds.
"It is an honour and a privilege to accept this role as ambassador for UEFA," he stated.
"With the experience I have had over the years, I hope I can help young coaches, in particular, in an industry which is becoming more difficult. Young coaches have to be prepared to make sacrifices and time is not guaranteed in modern-day football because it has become very much a results industry.
"The best chance they have got is to prepare for it. I took my full coaching badge when I was 24 years of age and I thought that was the best thing I did to give myself a proper chance to be able to survive in football.
"I would also tell them not to change their own philosophy but to have faith in it and believe in themselves.
"It's also about the sacrifices you have to make. Ask any manager's wife exactly what sacrifice means because they are working all the time. They are at games, at training, they are coaching, but that's the sacrifice you have to make and you need to understand that when you start." www.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com

24/01/2014 21:00, Report by Communications Dept.

Reds agree deal for Mata

Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Juan Mata for a club-record fee. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.
A further announcement will be made in due coursewww.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com.

Thursday 9 January 2014

No countries wanted to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons on land, so the U.N. is doing it at sea

January 8th, 2014
04:10 PM ET
By Mick Krever, CNN
In an “unprecedented” situation, Syria’s declared chemical weapons will be destroyed not inside a country, but at sea, Sigrid Kaag, who is overseeing the operation for the U.N. and its chemical weapons body, told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Wednesday.
“In an effort to find member states willing to assist in this process and basically lend their territory for the destruction process, no member states stepped forward,” Kaag said.
As a result the U.N. is being forced to do it on board ships, on the high sea, in international territory.
“Yes it’s unique,” she said, “but we are reassured of course by the U.S. and other member states it’s technically very feasible, it’s viable, and otherwise it wouldn’t be happening.”
The Assad regime delivered the first batch of chemical weapons onto a Danish commercial ship on Tuesday, after missing a December 31 deadline.

The chemicals left the Syrian port of Latakia today bound for Italy, where they will be transferred to a U.S.-owned cargo ship for destruction at sea.
That U.S. ship, the MV Cape Ray, will arrive in the Mediterranean Sea between the January 23 and 26, she said.

She would not comment on where exactly the destruction would take place.
Despite the initial missed deadline, Kaag expressed confidence that the final deadline is “very viable and realistic.”

The U.N. Security Council mandated in September that “all chemical weapons material and equipment” be eliminated “in the first half of 2014.”
The only way to know if all the weapons have been destroyed, however, is what Syria voluntarily tells the U.N.
Everyone operates “on the basis of declared facilities and their chemical weapons program,” she said.
“If there are any doubts, if member states [of the U.N.] feel there may be a gap or there may be an omission,” she explained, that country can take their claim to the OPCW or the Security Council.
“To date, no member state has done that.”www.hatasisitupo.blogspot.com

Wednesday 8 January 2014

 

Brand your business in style!

 
Itatimia siku moja tukishirikiana mimi na wewe.

Monday 6 January 2014

Poachers are the prey in a park in the Republic of Congo


Watch this video

Chasing elephant poachers in Congo

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo (CNN) -- "The poachers are usually hiding firearms in the fishing camps," Mathieu Eckel briefs us as his anti-poaching unit's shaky metal boats speed down one of the rivers that snakes it way through the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
The river's dark waters are stunningly framed by shades of green and cascading vines in this remote corner of the Republic of Congo.
As Eckel's eco-guard unit turns a corner, he gives the order to cut the engines. We're approaching the first suspected site. The boats coast silently against the hum of the forest.
The team quietly assaults, but the camp is deserted.
A member of the team checks the ashes. "It's still warm, they must have left early morning, we missed them by a couple hours," he says.
For the next grueling, hot eight hours, the same scenario repeats itself.
Then, suddenly around a bend, the unit spots rising smoke. They rush ashore, fan out and within seconds the first gunshot rings out. The men sprint through the dense and disorienting terrain, forcing their way though the undergrowth and knee-deep water as even more bursts of gunfire echo through the forest.
Pumped on adrenaline, eco-guard Brice Moupele animatedly re-enacts what happened when he saw the poachers.
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"I yelled 'Stop, stop!' and shot in the air," he says.
"The man tried to shoot at me. I tackled him and grabbed his gun, but he was able to escape." Moupele happily displays the captured weapon.
The team finds the poachers' canoe, weighed down with fresh elephant meat. An eco-guard lifts up a portion of the elephant's trunk, still dripping blood. He lifts up heavy chunks of elephant flesh, searching for weapons and tusk on the bottom of the wooden canoe.
"This is what they use to cut off the tusks" Eckel says, holding up a bloodied ax.
It's a sickening reminder of a trade that has decimated the park's elephant population. The non-profit group African Parks -- which runs Odzala -- estimates that Central Africa has lost 62% of its forest elephant population in the last decade. In the week we spent at the park, we only saw one alive.
"The ivory we get, it's less than 1%" Eckel estimates. "In this area, it makes a lot of money. It's very difficult to say, maybe one or more elephant is killed a day."
Eckel describes the fight to protect what's left as guerrilla warfare carried out by just 76 eco-guards patrolling an area that is 13,500 km2 (8,390 square miles) -- about the size of Connecticut. Hardly enough, but around 40% of the team members are former poachers themselves.
"They are really motivated to stop the poaching and they know how the poachers work, so it's easy for them to think like them," Eckel explains.
It's part of a program developed by Eckel in the past year in which poachers are given amnesty if they hand over their weapons and confess. But it's still a tough sell in an area where villages live off poaching and there are no other alternatives.
The unit's successes haven't made them any friends. Members often find themselves pursuing neighbors, friends and even family members. They have all been threatened.
Frank Bolangonga tells us three men assaulted his wife down a dark side street in his village.
"She went to buy petrol at the market," he says. "When she was on her way back home they attacked her, tried to rape her, but she was strong. She pulled back and her dress ripped and she ran away."
The threats intensify after arrests and raids, and did so even more after the team brought in Ghislain Ngondjo, better known as "Pepito."
Vianney Evoura, who used to poach for Pepito back in 2004, testified against him in court. They live in the same village and Pepito's relatives have vowed revenge.
"His mother promised to poison me," Evoura says. "I don't go out after dark unless I am with five or six other people, I don't eat out. I am always on alert."
African Parks headquarters is just a 10-minute drive from Pepito's village, which has forced Eckel to send his own family away.
"There was threats of attack on the camp where we live, my family was with me at this time. I don't want to take the risk for them because of my job," he tells us.
But the toughest challenge for Eckel and his team is government corruption. He doesn't trust for a second that the government will follow any leads after the bust on the poachers' camp.
The team finds four guns, one of which Eckel says is military issue. Of all of the weapons the unit has in its stockpile -- a combination of those handed over in the amnesty program and those seized in raids -- the majority come from military stock.
"The military sells firearms to the poachers," Eckel claims. "Sometime we catch military with their firearms inside the park."
In an area where the lines between poachers and protectors tend to blur because of village and family ties, at times the team can't even trust itself.
"To find this in the Congo you must have contact with a ranger," Eckel says, showing a compass found at the poachers' camp. "It's a silver one and it's not an old one."
Also found during the raid was a cellphone.
The team torches the camp to send a message and sets off down the river with the poachers' canoe in tow as bright orange flames engulf the ramshackle huts.
But it's far from over.
The next morning, Eckel is busy drawing a map in the sand, strategizing the best way to get into position. One of the numbers on the phone they found is that of a notorious bushmeat trader.
"We had an initial phone contact and we organized a meeting," Eckel explains. "We play like we are the poacher and he thinks we are the poacher."
It's an ambush. Barreling down the road, the team spots the bushmeat trader on his motorcycle. Shouting with guns pointed, they force him to pull over.
"How do you justify that this phone we called you from was found with a poacher?" Eckel asks the trader. "You were saying that you wanted to collect material, ivory."
"I don't know who called me," the trader claims. "Everyone in the village has my number."
The cell phone rings, answered by an eco-guard pretending to be the suspected poacher. The person on the other end of the line issues a breathless warning.
"Remove all the weapons from the camp by the river, we've spotted the eco-guards at the small port."
Meanwhile, the trader breaks, giving up the name and location of the cell phone's owner.
"They are just there, they live there. He's a young guy."
The team detains not one, but two brothers and take them back to one of the unit's checkpoints. One confesses to owning one of the rifles found at the camp, but both deny they shot at the eco-guards and refuse to give up the names of the other members of the gang.
They are handcuffed and driven off to jail.
When we return to Brazzaville, we interview Henri Djombo, minister of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development, and ask about the rampant corruption claims.
He denied direct military complicity, but conceded the government needs to clean up its ranks.
"Yes, it is true that there are accomplices to this illegal trading of wildlife, that is not easy," he told us.
He insists that the government is committed to fighting corruption and ending the culture of poaching with impunity.
A few days after the two brothers were detained, their families gave up the names of the rest of the gang members, in hopes of getting the brothers out of jail.
Based on that intel, the unit carried out another raid. One of the eco-guards was severely wounded, run over by a motorcycle as they attempted to detain the suspected poacher.
As the team was transporting the wounded guard to hospital, gang members torched the eco-guard camp at the checkpoint.
Out here, the war on ivory trading is violent and personal.