Johannesburg, June 2010
by Murray Shaw
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AS we reflect on the highlights of the recent World
Cup in South Africa there are plenty of memories that spring to mind.
Australia’s stunning victory over Serbia, the poise of Spain, the precision of
Diego Forlan or the heartbreak of Ghana’s penalty shoot-out loss to Uruguay.
For several members of the FMA there were a few other highlights from our stay in Johannesburg. Michael Lynch’s questionable tackling style, Dave Lewis’ lack of ability in front of goal or Dave Davutovic’s choice of shorts.
The FMA were challenged to a game of football by the FFA just days out from the start of the tournament.
The FFA’s High Performance Director/Head of International Relations/Head of National Teams John Boultbee had put together a high-performance team and organised the use of the Socceroos training ground at St Stithians College for the match venue.
After plenty of impassioned pleas and late night phone calls, the FMA managed to field a team capable of representing our organisation with some form of dignity. It was a team strengthened by the inclusion of some friends across the ditch. Former All White Fred De Jong was drafted in and the son of former All Whites coach Jon Adshead also joined the media’s crack outfit. Unfortunately, Fozzie was in Cape Town and couldn't make it.
With De Jong and Andy Harper controlling the midfield the FMA had the early running but old legs proved costly in the second half. The FFA had enlisted several of the St Stithians groundsmen who wouldn’t have looked out of place in an Olympic marathon.
Despite the best intentions of Dave Lewis nothing could separate the two sides at the full-time whistle.
A thrilling 4-all draw was a fitting result – a much better result for the media than the inaugural match in 2008 which was 3-1 to FFA (who again had some ring-ins I might add).
The match was played the morning after an FMA function held at the News Cafe in Sandton. It was enjoyed by just over a dozen Australian media and a great chance for all to let their hair down in the lead-up to the start of the tournament. Despite the difficulties in tying everyone down, there were still representatives from right across the country there to enjoy the hospitality.
Both events typified the camaraderie in the FMA ranks and it was great to see FFA carry on the tradition of a match against the media commenced by former FFA Corporate Affairs head (now FMA Executive Committee member), Bonita Mersiades.
For several members of the FMA there were a few other highlights from our stay in Johannesburg. Michael Lynch’s questionable tackling style, Dave Lewis’ lack of ability in front of goal or Dave Davutovic’s choice of shorts.
The FMA were challenged to a game of football by the FFA just days out from the start of the tournament.
The FFA’s High Performance Director/Head of International Relations/Head of National Teams John Boultbee had put together a high-performance team and organised the use of the Socceroos training ground at St Stithians College for the match venue.
After plenty of impassioned pleas and late night phone calls, the FMA managed to field a team capable of representing our organisation with some form of dignity. It was a team strengthened by the inclusion of some friends across the ditch. Former All White Fred De Jong was drafted in and the son of former All Whites coach Jon Adshead also joined the media’s crack outfit. Unfortunately, Fozzie was in Cape Town and couldn't make it.
With De Jong and Andy Harper controlling the midfield the FMA had the early running but old legs proved costly in the second half. The FFA had enlisted several of the St Stithians groundsmen who wouldn’t have looked out of place in an Olympic marathon.
Despite the best intentions of Dave Lewis nothing could separate the two sides at the full-time whistle.
A thrilling 4-all draw was a fitting result – a much better result for the media than the inaugural match in 2008 which was 3-1 to FFA (who again had some ring-ins I might add).
The match was played the morning after an FMA function held at the News Cafe in Sandton. It was enjoyed by just over a dozen Australian media and a great chance for all to let their hair down in the lead-up to the start of the tournament. Despite the difficulties in tying everyone down, there were still representatives from right across the country there to enjoy the hospitality.
Both events typified the camaraderie in the FMA ranks and it was great to see FFA carry on the tradition of a match against the media commenced by former FFA Corporate Affairs head (now FMA Executive Committee member), Bonita Mersiades.
