Senior Accounting Manager at OMS Oilfield Services Pte Ltd

Responsibilities:
* Oversee the finance functions of Jakarta and Balikpapan
* Preparation of monthly management reports and analysis
* Accountable for cash flow planning, credit control and treasury management
* Annual budgeting and quarterly review
* Year end audit and statutory reporting
* Tax reporting and compliance
* Liaise with tax agents, solicitors, bankers, auditors and other statutory bodies

Requirements:
* Degree in Accounting or equivalent
* Minimum 4 years of related experience in an MNC environment preferably with manufacturing experience
* Proficient in Microsoft office
* Experience in ERP system an added advantage
* A 'hands-on' person with strong sense of commitment

Please forward your resume including current and expected salary in MS Word format to susan.chong@omsos.com.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Estimator/Cost Control Engineer at PT Prima Irian Djaja

PT Prima Irian Djaja (PT PID) is a fast growing company in building construction and supporting at the Off-Shore/On-Shore Facilities of Gas Receining Area, Utilities Area, Strorage Loading and Facilities of LNG Plant at the remote area Papua/Irian Jaya is looking for a dynamic and qualified candidate as follows:

Estimator/Cost Control Engineer
(Jakarta Raya)

Requirements:
* Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
* At least 5 years applicable experience in Project preferably in Oil & Gas industry or Steel Construction Project as Estimator & Cost Control.
* Computer literate
* Able to operate MS Project/Primavera/ ETABS/SAP2000 & Auto CAD
* Must have very good estimating skill, previously have performed in an estimating role on similar project.
* Must have good planning and organizational abilities
* Good interpersonal and communication skills.
* Good in English, both in oral and writing
* Self motivated and very committed
* Able to work independently as well as a team
* Work Location is in Jakarta
* Available to join as soon as possible

Please send your CV to email:

pid.curiculum@yahoo.com

IT Administrator at Sunstar Engineering Pte Ltd

Sunstar Engineering Pte Ltd, headquartered in Singapore, is a Japanese MNC specialized in manufacturing high-value-added motorcycle sprockets and brake discs. We are currently looking for a reliable, self-motivated and committed individual to join our dynamic team.

IT ADMINISTRATOR (SG Based)
(Singapore)

Responsibilities:
Reporting to Regional Senior IT Administrator, the main job duties of the successful candidate cover, but not limited to, the following :

* Setup, troubleshoot and be familiar with TPiCS ERP System
* Strong experience in Programming Languages and Databases such as Visual Studio 2005 VB.NET, Visual Studio 2005 Crystal Report, VB 6.0, ASP.NET, SQL Server 2000 and 2005
* Assist Regional Senior IT Administrator for timely support and oversee all computers, tape backup, servers and network support, user support , hardware and software Installation

* Liaise with Vendors for Hardware and Software purchasing

* Create and Maintain System Documentation

* Assist in other duties as and when assigned

Requirements:
* Higher/Advance Diploma or Degree in Computer Science or equivalent

* Candidates with less qualifications but with 5-6 yrs of experience are welcome to apply

* Possess good communication and inter-personal skills

* Able to work independently with minimum supervision and has good working attitude

* Ability to multi-task and prioritize

* Must be flexible to work in two locations- Science Park and Tuas Plant

Singaporeans, SPR and Foreigners are welcome to apply

All Successful candidates can expect a very competitive remuneration package and a comprehensive range of benefits.

We work on 5-day work week from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

The transport expenses are reimbursable.

Please do include in your resume the following items:

* Reasons for leaving your last and current employment.

* Last Drawn Salary and Expected Salary

* Availability

* A recent photograph

Please email your resume in a detailed Word format to hr.se@sunstar.com

10, Science Park Road, #04-27/28

The Alpha, Singapore Science Park II

Singapore 117684

We regret that only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Chris John yet to decide whether to quit fighting

Semarang - WBA super champion of Indonesia Chris John has yet to decide whether to quit boxing, although this was a wish from his wife, Anna Maria Megawati, and a suggestion of former national pugilists.

"I cannot talk about it now because I have not made any decision," Chris John said in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday.

When asked whether his fight against his Argentinian challenger Fernando David Saucedo in November this year would be his last fight, he said right now he cannot say anything about it yet, because he has not made any decision.

His wife, Anna Maria Megawati, has told him recently to quit boxing because he has already got everything, including material wealth and achievement, what more did he possibly wanted?

"What more did he possibly wanted? He has money, as well as achievement. While he is at the peak of his achievement, he better quit boxing, and return to his family, as his children have become bigger, and need his attention and care," she said.

"Do not wait for a loss, which means that now he is at the top of his boxing career it is better to quit," the mother of two girls (Maria Luna Ferisha and Maria Rosa Christiani) said.

In addition, the former Central Java wushu athlete said, she said something had gone wrong in Chris John`s management. "I do not wish Chris John jatuh made the same mistake," she pointed out.

In the meantime observer of boxing and national promoter Syamsul Anwar Harahap suggested that Chris John quit boxing and retire while he was still popular, considering his advancing age and that he had been hurt several times.

"Chris John`s fights had been canceled twice in Bali and in Jakarta, because Chris was hurt. This was an indication that his body can no longer meet the training standards of a world champ," Syamsul said.

He said Chri John in his last fight against American challenger Rocky Juarez looked rather clumsy in the last rounds. The 12-round fight in Las Vegas, the US, on September 19 last year was won by Chris John on points.

"In Indonesia, the age of 30 is risky for a fighter," said Syamsul, who was also a top national amateur boxer in the 1970s.

Syamsul also felt that something had gone wrong in the management of Chris John, but he said he did not know what for sure.

"One thing is sure that there was always something wrong in every fight that he had," Syamsul said.

Will he still be fighting against El Vasco, Chris John said he hoped so, and right now he is concentrating on his fitness.

Chris had fought 12 times defending his title since he snatched it from Colombian Oscar Leon in Bali in 2003.

He injured his rib when training with a sparring partner, so that his fight with Fernando David Saicedo scheduled in Jakarta on July 26, 2010, was postponed until November.(*)

Maluku`s traditional sports expected to support tourism

Ambon, Maluku - Maluku Vice Governor Said Assagaff said traditional sports in Maluku should be developed to support the province`s tourism industry.

"Traditional sports are part of our culture and traditions and therefore they should be developed, preserved, and maintained to support the tourism industry in Maluku," Assagaff said here on Friday.

Assagaff made the statement at tha opening of the 7th National Traditional Sports Festival 2010 at Merdeka Square here.

According to him, traditional sports should be developed because they were not costly and easy to learn because they are part of the local people`s routine activities.

"The equipment used in Maluku`s traditional sports is easily to make because the needed raw materials are available everywhere," Assagaff said.

He said the coaching and the development of traditional sports in Maluku should be directed to education, cultural, and recreational elements.

Assagaff also encouraged the participants of the National Traditional Sport Festival 2010 to promote the upcoming international event of Sail Banda, scheduled to last from July 24 - August 17, 2010.

"I ask all components who take part in the National Traditional Sport Festival to promote Sail Banda 2010, because such an international marine event is intended to introduce our natural resources in Maluku," Assagaff said. (*)

Rossi defers comeback decision

Milan - MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi will decide on Wednesday whether he is fit enough for this weekend`s German Grand Prix after testing a bike for the second time since breaking his leg.

The Yamaha rider, who suffered the injury during practice for the Italian Grand Prix last month, had been expected to be out for at least three months but has made a remarkable recovery.

"I`m very happy with how it went. I`m a lot more in form than last week," the 31-year-old told reporters after testing a Superbike at Brno in the Czech Republic on Monday.
"Now I`ll have to wait to take a decision on Wednesday after we have some X-rays as to whether I race or not in Germany.

Doing a full race will be a different story, but I still have another couple of days to get a bit better."

The Italian first tested a Superbike last Wednesday at Italy`s Misano and took advantage of crews staying behind in Brno after Sunday`s Czech Superbike races to again try out his leg.

He turned up at the track on crutches but set decent times despite some pain in his shoulder and knee. Testing on MotoGP bikes during the season is banned.

The 31-year-old, linked with a move to Ducati next season with some reports saying an announcement could be made in Germany this weekend, had previously targeted a comeback at the Czech Grand Prix on Aug 15.

The nine-times motorcycling world champion has missed four races and is a distant seventh in the standings behind championship leader and Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo. (Uu.A008/F005/P003)

Pedrosa wins German GP ahead of Lorenzo

Dani Pedrosa of Spain has held off compatriot and world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo to win a shortened German GP.

Pole-sitter Lorenzo's three-race winning streak ended as he was passed by Pedrosa, who crossed for victory in 28 minutes, 50.476 seconds at the Sachsenring circuit to cut Lorenzo's lead in the MotoGP standings to 47 points.

World champion Valentino Rossi, competing in his first race since returning to action after six weeks out with a broken leg, finished fourth Sunday behind Casey Stoner of Australia.

The race was red-flagged on lap nine after a crash involving Randy de Puniet also took down Alvaro Bautista and Aleix Espargaro. The race then was shortened to 21 laps.

Henry watches on as Red Bulls beaten

New signing Thierry Henry watched from the stands as the New York Red Bulls lost 2-0 at Columbus on Saturday, giving the Crew a five-point lead atop Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.

Fittingly for a former Arsenal player, Henry is expected to make his first New York appearance in a friendly against old north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday.

Emilio Renteria ended Columbus' 245-minute goalless drought and put the Crew ahead in the 20th minute on a counter following Brian Carroll stripping possession from Juan Pablo Angel in midfield.

Carroll later scored his first goal since 2008 in the 48th minute with a strike from 25 yards.

It was New York's first loss in six MLS games, against its main Conference rival.[ Dallas 2, Real Salt Lake 0=

In Frisco, Texas, Brek Shea scored one and set up another as Dallas ended Real Salt Lake's 10-game MLS unbeaten streak.

Shea scored in the 69th minute, on a rebound from Milton Rodriguez's shot, knocking the ball into the far corner from the top left of the box. Colombia's Rodriguez was making his Dallas debut.

It was the first goal conceded in 566 minutes by Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who had five straight clean sheets.

Atiba Harris made it 2-0 in the 77th minute.

Dallas is unbeaten in six games and closed the gap on Western Conference second-placed Salt Lake to five points.[ Colorado Rapids 1, Kansas City Wizards 1=

In Commerce City, Colorado, Conor Casey scored in the 74th minute to salvage a home draw for Colorado against Kansas City.

Casey beat goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen with a left-footed shot from just outside the area for Colorado, whose winless skid reached five games. Casey has seven of Colorado's 17 goals this season.

Davy Arnaud scored in the 20th minute for Kansas City, which has gone seven games without a win in Colorado.[ Philadelphia Union 2, Toronto 1=

In Chester, Pennsylvania, Sebastien Le Toux converted a penalty deep in stoppage time to give Philadelphia a dramatic win over Toronto.

Maksim Usanov's handball led to Le Toux's goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. He leads the Union with seven this season.

Toronto had looked like getting a share of the points when Chad Barrett scored in the 81st minute, 20 minutes after Michael Orozco Fiscal scored headed in a Le Toux corner to open the scoring.

It was the Canadians' first loss in nine games.

Team Indonesia Pumped Up for Games

After playing in a number of international tournaments this year, Grace Sari Ysidora is now ready to represent the country in the Youth Olympics next month.

“I’ll do my best to win any medal for the country,” Grace, Indonesia’s lone entry in tennis at the Singapore Games, said on Wednesday.

“I feel confident about my chances having participated in a lot of competitions overseas.”

While most local athletes have struggled to find the budget to compete abroad and hone their skills, Grace doesn’t appear to face such a problem, given how often she competes overseas in top-level tournaments.

The 17-year-old has played in 10 international events this year, including all three junior tournaments at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

Her best result this season was a third-round appearance at the Australian Open and a semifinal finish at the ITF Junior Championships in Bangkok in March.

Her most recent tournament was at the Wimbledon junior championships, where she failed to get out of the first round after losing 7-5, 7-5 to 16th-seeded Russian Daria Gavrilova.

Grace, who was born in North Sumatra and comes from a wealthy family, said such an exposure not only has helped her to improve her game but has also strengthened her character.

“Playing overseas has also given me a chance to study the other players, as I’m sure most of them will also participate in the Youth Olympics,” said the world No.39, who has been training in Bandung for the Youth Olympics.

In badminton, men’s singles shuttler Evert Sukamta said he was looking forward to the Singapore Games.

“My focus right now is mental preparation,” said Evert, who qualified for the Youth Olympics after he reached the semifinal of the Asian Youth Under-19 Championships in Kuala Lumpur in April. “ I think my toughest opponents will all come from Asia. I’ve seen them all play so I’m ready.”

Evert is scheduled to play in two more tournaments before the Youth Olympics — the Singapore International Series on July 20-24 and the Indonesia International Challenge in Surabaya on July 27-31.

“The Singapore series will be a good warm-up for me because it’ll help me adjust to the court conditions there,” Evert said.

The Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) on Tuesday said it didn’t want to burden the national youth team with medal targets but just wanted them to enjoy the competition. The Indonesian squad is composed of 10 athletes fielded in seven sports.

However, KOI official Djoko Pramono said the country had a better chance at a podium finish in badminton and weightlifting.

He added that a lack of funding has forced the team to have a shorter training camp.

“The budget allotted for the training camp was only around Rp 120 million [$13,000] , so we couldn’t hold a much longer camp,” Djoko said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (Pabbsi) said its two lifters — Zainuddin and Dewi Safitri — were ready to do the country proud.

Zainuddin, 16, came in as a replacement for Sumaryanto, who had qualified for the Youth Olympics after placing third at the Youth World Championships in Thailand last year.

However, Sumaryanto, 15, did not meet the international weightlifting federation’s minimum age requirement of 16 years old.

Some 3,600 athletes between 14 and 18 years old are expected to compete in the inaugural Youth Olympics on Aug. 14-18.

Spurs Lock In Redknapp, Set Sights on Brazilian Striker

London. Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp said on Tuesday that Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano was high on his wish list, but admitted that the player’s salary expectations could prove a stumbling block.

Tottenham has not made any official contact with the Spanish club, but Redknapp confirmed that he would be interested in the 29-year-old Brazil international, who had an impressive run during the World Cup.

“Yes, I like him,” Redknapp said during an interview with ESPN Soccernet.

“He’s a fabulous player and would be a brilliant addition to any team. It was put to us that he might be available, but we’ve not made contact with his club, Sevilla, and, to be perfectly honest, I haven’t sat down to discuss any transfer targets with our chairman, Daniel Levy, apart from trying to do a deal with Joe Cole.

“I am not unhappy with the squad I have, but of course if a special player came along I would look at it, and Fabiano is a special player all right. For sure, he is a class act, but I don’t know what he earns. He might be on mega-money, so it might prove to be impossible for us.”

Tottenham’s interest in free agent Cole continues and Redknapp said he hoped the former Chelsea midfielder would opt to head to White Hart Lane.

Cole is thought to be considering offers from Manchester City and Arsenal, but Spurs remain in the hunt, with Redknapp looking to team up again with the player he signed for West Ham.

“I managed Joe before, and I signed him when he was 11,” Redknapp said. “We have always had a good relationship. I know what makes Joe tick and it’s his love of the game, and his need to be playing it.

“I have spoken with Joe at length and I would like him, and when we talked, he appreciated my view that Tottenham is now a club going places.

“I would like Joe here with me, but it is now up to the club and up to Joe. If it is beyond us in financial terms I can appreciate that, but I am hoping other factors will come into play to make up Joe’s mind.”

Redknapp has also signed a contract extension to manage the team until 2013. His contract had been due to expire at the end of next season.

The 63-year-old Englishman took charge in October 2008 when Spurs were bottom of the English Premier League and transformed them into a top-four team by May.

“I am now committed to Spurs for the next three years and of course I am pleased by that,” Redknapp said. “That has made me think about how long I want to stay in the game, and who knows, I might stay with Spurs many more years than 2013.”

After finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, Spurs will contest a playoff next month to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time.

Redknapp, who left Portsmouth to manage Spurs, has shelved any talk of retirement.

“You never know what is around the corner and, while I have the energy, I think I will carry on for as long as I can,” he said.

“I have changed my mind and I feel as though I have a good few years left me in yet. When you see how long Sir Alex Ferguson has lasted, and some of the guys of the older generation that keep on going like Fabio Capello, Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson, you think I could do the same.

“None of them are youngsters any more, they are of the same age group, and it is true that there is no substitute for experience in management. The game is crying out for stability, and the experienced guys know the job.” (FP, AP)

Dutch celebrate second place in World Cup

The Netherlands' World Cup team has been honored by Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende at the start of a hectic day of celebrations for the tournament runners-up.

After the trip to Balkenende's official residence, coach Bert van Marwijk's team was heading to meet Queen Beatrix at her Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

Later Tuesday, an Air Force helicopter was whisking the team to Amsterdam for a boat tour through the city's web of canals and an open-air party. Officials say they expect up to a million fans to descend on Amsterdam to cheer their team.

The Dutch lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain in Sunday's final - the third time the Netherlands had lost a World Cup final after defeats in 1974 and '78.

Webber leads Red Bull to victory at Spanish GP

Mark Webber secured a comfortable wire-to-wire victory at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel filled out the podium after Lewis Hamilton crashed with one lap remaining.

Webber made it 10 straight winners from pole position at the Circuit de Catalunya after the Australian drove a flawless race for a 24-second victory over Alonso and his third career victory.

Hamilton was second for most of the race before his tire blew out to send the McLaren driver into the wall shortly before the finish. Vettel took advantage to finish third for Red Bull despite a late driving error.

Michael Schumacher of Mercedes was fourth after holding off McLaren's Jenson Button for the seven-time champion's best finish since his comeback to the sport this season.

Defending champion Button has 70 points to lead Alonso by three points in the standings, while Vettel improved to 60 points and Webber 53.

Although Webber eased to victory, a combination of driver error and mechanical faults made for a dramatic race for the two spots behind him.

Hamilton's front left tire blew out at turn 10 as he appeared to be cruising toward a second-place finish after overtaking Vettel during the first round of pit stops. Hamilton, who was set to move to within one point of Button, instead stayed stuck on 49 points.

Vettel nearly missed out on the podium after losing his brakes to go into the gravel with 10 laps to race and being overtaken by Alonso after having to come in to change his tires.

Webber jumped into the championship mix after Red Bull finally managed to convert a pole position to a victory. The team started first for the fifth straight race, but struggled with reliability problems in Bahrain and Australia, while Vettel overtook pole sitter Webber to win in Malaysia.

Webber made a perfect start this time while his three chasers weaved behind him looking for space to pass. The Australian driver held firm as Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso and the rest of the chasing pack got around the first corner without incident.

There were problems at the back of the gird, however, as Heikki Kovalainen of Lotus had to retire before the start with a gear box problem, and HRT driver Bruno Senna slid ito a tire wall for an early exit.

Schumacher's teammate Nico Rosberg was relegated to 17th after a botched pit stop that would ruin his day and see him finish 13th. The German driver has 50 points.

Webber and Hamilton pitted simultaneously, and the McLaren driver was then able to get in front of Vette - who had a slow tire change earlier - as he returned to the track, holding his ground at the first corner to split up the Red Bull cars.

Schumacher started behind Button but made a nice pass as the two engaged in a battle for fifth, with Felipe Massa eventually sliding into the mix. The Ferrari driver wold settle for sixth.

Schumacher showed little interest in battling for a podium spot, however, driving defensively the rest of the way to keep Button behind him. It was the first time Schumacher finished ahead of Rosberg this season.

Adrian Sutil was seventh for Force India ahead of Robert Kubica of Rnault, and Rubens Barrichello of Williams and Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari rounded out the top 10.

A moment of silence was observed for Juan Antonio Samaranch before the start of the 66-lap race. The former International Olympic Committee president died at age 89 last month.

Octopus oracle picks Spain to win World Cup

Eyes around the world were on Germany's octopus oracle Paul on Friday as he made his biggest prediction yet in the World Cup: Spain will beat the Netherlands in the final.

Paul's prescient picks in the World Cup - he has yet to predict a match wrong - have propelled him to international fame from obscurity a month ago in an aquarium in the western city of Oberhausen.

TV stations in Germany, Great Britain, Taiwan and elsewhere broadcast live pictures, complete with breathless commentary, of his final decision for the tournament. Millions watched as the world-famous octopus descended upon on a tank marked with a Spanish flag, sitting for only a few minutes before grabbing a mussel and devouring it, while completely ignoring the Dutch tank - indicating a Spanish victory in Sunday's final match in Sunday's final.

It was the first time he'd been tasked to pick a game in which Germany wasn't involved, as the Oberhausen Sea Life aquarium bowed to overwhelming demand to see who he would choose in the final.

Paul correctly predicted Germany's wins over Argentina, England, Australia and Ghana and the country's loss to Spain and Serbia.

He also predicted earlier on Friday that Germany will win over Uruguay in Saturday's match for third and fourth place.

His handlers say he is coping with fame well.

"Paul is such a professional oracle - he doesn't even care that hundreds of journalists are watching and commenting on every move he makes," said Stefan Porwoll, the Sea Life aquarium manager. "We're so proud of him."

Paul first developed his abilities during the 2008 European Championship in which he predicted five out of six games involving Germany correctly. But while he had only a community of local fans two years ago, his World Cup prognostications have brought him international stardom.

Spain's defeat of Germany in the semifinals as predicted by Paul prompted many Germans to wonder about how he would taste grilled for dinner. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero fretted about the safety of "El Pulpo Paul," as he's known in Spain, and offered Paul protection.

"I am concerned about the octopus," Zapatero said. "I'm thinking about sending in a team to protect the octopus because obviously it was very spectacular that he should get Spain's victory right from there."

Netherlands look to improve finishing for final

Netherlands coach Bert Van Marwijk thinks the only category where his team suffers in comparison to World Cup final opponent Spain is beauty of play. When it comes to the rest, the two can go head-to-head.

When Van Marwijk looks at Spain, he sees the world's best team of the past few years and the playing style of a Barcelona side that has been the bane of clubs all over Europe for the past few years.

"We play well. Spain plays well, but they are mre attractive and this is where we want to get too," Van Marwijk told reporters.

When Van Marwijk heard that Dirk Kuyt was quoted as saying that Spain are a collection of individuals while the Dutch are a "team", he quickly countered by noting how impressive it was to see the Spanish players immediatelstart pressuring opponents once they had lost possession.

"When they lose the ball, they immediately join in, their big stars too. It is something we also do well," Van Marwijk said.

Van Marwijk said his team must be less haphazard in front of goal to counter Spain during Sunday' final. And with no jury worries, he has the fearsome trio of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie at his disposal.

Sneijder, the World Cup's joint top scorer with five goals, said the team has to show more "guts" when in possession, seeking depth and speed instead of the steady buildup work for which the Dutch have been known over the past weeks.

"We have to shed our inhibitions," Sneijder said.

While the Dutch have netted seven goals in the three knockout-round games compared to Spain's three, Van Marwijk is still a bit worried about his team's scoring touch.

Often the Netherlands has won by one goal only, in games where more efficiency in front of goal could have turned it into a rout. Against Uruguay, it won the semifinal 3-2 but could have put the game beyond doubt much earlier had the forwards shown more poise.

"We have been messy," Van Marwijk said. "We've had spells with brilliant attacks, yet we forgot to score. That though, can change within a match."

He's hoping Van Persie will be the one to make it change.

The winger turned striker was out for much of the season with Arsenal because of a right ankle injury which needed surgery, and he is still seeking his best form.

"He improved the last game," Van Marwijk said. "He will play his best game in the final."

Sneijder said if the Netherlands could improve efficiency, Spain too had its weak moments, especially when it struggled past Paraguay in the quarterfinals.

Jorge Lorenzo takes first Assen victory

Jorge Lorenzo won today in Assen for the first time in MotoGP class, now having victories on Dutch circuit in all three categories. Victory in Assen was a bit more difficult to achieve for Lorenzo, as this time he was closely followed by Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner. However, Lorenzo opted for hard rear tyre unlike Pedrosa and Stoner, which proved to be smart decision in closing stages of the race. Dani Pedrosa managed to improve setup in warm-up and get in the really high pace in first part of the race, eventually finishing in second place. Casey Stoner also opted for medium rear tyre, which allowed him to stay with Lorenzo and Pedrosa in first part of the race and then to settle in 3rd place.

Ben Spies once again proved his potential by taking 4th place in Assen, battling with Dovizioso for this position and wining that battle. Dovizioso finished in 5th place, managing to defend it from charging Randy de Puniet. French rider finished in 6th place, around 10 seconds ahead of Nicky Hayden. Colin Edwards finished in 8th place, in front of two rookies - Marko Simoncelli and Aleix Espargaro.

Jorge Lorenzo increased his championship lead to 47 points, but this time over Dani Pedrosa, who came in front of his team-mate Andrea Dovizioso.

Van Bronckhorst Bows Out in Style

Giovanni van Bronckhorst can think of no better way to say goodbye for good than to score in his last competitive game, and finally give the Netherlands the World Cup.

“I hope it will be the most beautiful game of my life,” said van Bronckhorst, who will retire from football after the South Africa tournament but has already made sure he goes out in style by scoring the first goal in a 3-2 win over Uruguay in the semifinals on Tuesday.

His name has already been scrapped from the teamsheet of his last club, Feyenoord Rotterdam, but the Dutch team will keep him on until Sunday, and for good reason.

The captain gave the Dutch the lead with a blistering 35-meter left-foot drive that sailed past Fernando Muslera and went in off the post to break open the game against Uruguay.

Van Bronckhorst then claimed the biggest defensive play of the semifinal, when he rushed back to head a dangerous high ball out of the goal mouth in the 49th minute, with the score at 1-1.

At 35, van Bronckhorst was more than two years older than anyone else on the pitch, yet celebrated like a teenager with the rest of the team almost an hour after the match.

“There were no tears, just joy,” he said. “The last game in my career and it’s a World Cup final, what can you say? It could not be more beautiful.”

Van Bronckhorst has won league titles in three countries — Scotland, England and Spain — and the Champions League with Barcelona.

As a defender, he is known for his dashes upfield on the left, clean marking and tight organizational instincts to read and neutralize opposing plays as they develop. And his goals can be spectacular.

“It was super, and great for him,” forward Arjen Robben said. “He was playing the last two matches of his career, and now the very last one is the final of the World Cup. It’s fantastic.”

Van Bronckhorst was given the captain’s armband only two years ago. He was seen as a transitional figure at best, not a standout leader thriving on bluster and brawn.

Yet now, he has taken the team as far as Johan Cruyff did in 1974.

The Dutch will either play Spain or Germany, who were to meet in Durban on Wednesday.

“For everyone, it will be the game of their life,” van Bronckhorst said. For himself, the last game of his life. 

Associated Press

Dutch Flair Too Much for Uruguay

Cape Town - The Netherlands finally turned on the style at the World Cup in South Africa to reach its third final — and first in 32 years — with a stunning 3-2 victory over a plucky Uruguay on Tuesday.

Wesley Sneijder scored his fifth goal in South Africa and Giovanni van Bronckhorst added one of the goals of the tournament. Arjen Robben also scored as the Dutch never looked troubled despite a late onslaught from the two-time champion from South America.

“This is unforgettable,” Sneijder said. “It was a tough fight and toward the end we complicated matters. Sunday we play in the World Cup final. I have to get used to that.”

Van Bronckhorst opened the scoring with a 35-meter shot in the 18th minute, but Diego Forlan equalized in the 41st with his fourth goal of the tournament, despite playing through the pain of a thigh injury.

“It was bothering me a lot,” Uruguay’s top scorer said. “At times I felt a great frustration because I wasn’t 100 percent.”

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk replaced Demy de Zeeuw with Rafael van der Vaart at halftime and the attacking move paid off as Sneijder and Robben scored after the break.

Maximiliano Pereira scored for Uruguay in injury time but the Dutch weathered the late Uruguayan pressure, and the orange-clad fans at Green Point Stadium erupted at the final whistle.

“This is very special,” said van Marwijk, who took over as coach two years ago.

“After 32 years we play the final again. Such a small country. We can be very proud of this.”

Most of the jubilant Dutch squad returned to the field 45 minutes after the match to dance and cheer with a group of about 1,000 orange-clad fans cheering and beating drums.

As the players danced, the jubilant fans chanted, “Holland! Holland! Holland!”

The Netherlands’ only international title came at the 1988 European Championship, but it is now on a 25-match unbeaten run and has won 10 straight as it heads to a World Cup final against either Spain or Germany.

Seen as beautiful footballers but perennial underachievers on the world stage, the Netherlands has played a tougher brand of football in South Africa, aiming to dominate possession and wait for openings rather than attempt to carve open defenses with creative flair.

“I love attacking and beautiful football, but you have to work together when the opponent has the ball and then you can go a long way,” van Marwijk said.

The strategy has served the team well — the Netherlands is the only team with a perfect record at the World Cup.

“We are so close,” said Sneijder, who already won the Italian league and Cup double and the Champions League this season with Inter Milan.

“There is nothing bigger than the World Cup,” he added.

After a flowing passing move, van Bronckhorst collected the ball 30 meters out on the left and struck a searing drive that beat the despairing dive of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and flew into the net off the post.

Forlan’s equalizer was another powerful long-range shot, but Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg probably should have saved it.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez was forced to substitute Forlan in the 85th minute when he could no longer continue.

“From the first minute he had a problem. I’m not dumb enough to take him out at 3-1 when the match wasn’t lost,” Tabarez said. “He was injured and really could not continue.”

Associated Press

All Blacks, Springboks Open Tri-Nations Test

Auckland, New Zealand. World rugby’s two top-ranked teams, New Zealand and South Africa, meet on Saturday in the opening match of the Tri-Nations tournament on the same grounds where the World Cup final will be decided in 15 months.

Both teams have hinted at the lingering importance of winning the Tri-Nations title, held by South Africa, and disputing the No. 1 world ranking, which is currently New Zealand’s.

And while both teams have rejected the notion that the match would offer a preview of World Cup form, the intensity of each team’s preparation and the edge of the pre-match rhetoric suggests that some World Cup feelings — at least the desire to strike a psychological blow — have infected both camps.

New Zealand has said it wants to avenge its three losses to South Africa in last year’s Tri-Nations series and prove it deserves to be ranked No. 1 in the world ahead of the world champion Springboks.

“I personally think it [the World Cup] is irrelevant,” New Zealand co-coach Wayne Smith said. “Both teams are going to have a good crack at the World Cup, but not today or tomorrow, that’s down the track.

Center Conrad Smith, who along with midfield partner Ma’a Nonu returns to the New Zealand lineup after being sidelined with injury, offered insight into the tension in the All Blacks camp.

“There is a danger with a game like this that you get too excited and go overboard with all the adrenaline,” Smith said. “It’s something we’ve talked about, but it does feel like a different game and there is definitely an edge to training.”

Both teams named experienced lineups for the match, the All Blacks favoring fullback Mils Muliaina, Nonu, winger Joe Rokocoko and prop Tony Woodcock over younger rivals.

South Africa named lock Bakkies Botha in its starting lineup and placed Danie Rossouw on the bench after delaying the naming of its lineup from Tuesday to Thursday to monitor the fitness of the second rowers.

Captain John Smit said Saturday’s test possessed greater significance than his team’s June tests against France and Italy.

“This is a different kettle of fish,” he said. This is going to be a high-pressure environment.”

Associated Press

Revamped Silverstone Awaits Battle of the Brits

Silverstone is the battleground this weekend for a pair of British Formula One title contenders for the first time in more than a decade — and a year after it seemed the circuit might never witness such a duel again.

Just six points separate Lewis Hamilton, 25, and Jenson Button, 30, at the top of the championship standings as they prepare for their first home grand prix as McLaren teammates at the midway point of the season.

Never before have Hamilton and Button been able to race against each other in competitive cars in front of 120,000 home fans.

And those fans have not seen British drivers dominate at Silverstone since 1999, when David Coulthard and Eddie Irvine produced a one-two finish.

“We are here to fight against each other,” said Button, the defending world champion. “I’ve won in Monaco and I’ve won the world championship, so winning my home grand prix is the one thing that is missing from my CV.”

Although Button fell short at Silverstone last year, finishing sixth in his Brawn, the points helped him win the championship.

Hamilton’s last trip to Silverstone — as defending world and race champion — epitomized his forlorn 2009 season, with his slow McLaren qualifying 19th and limping home 16th in the race.

It seemed Hamilton wouldn’t get a chance to redeem for that poor performance, with Silverstone losing the British hosting rights to Donington Park. But Silverstone, two hours north of London, regained the race in December after Donington hit financial problems.

The circuit has been revamped to make it longer and increase overtaking opportunities.

Until today’s first practice session, the closest the drivers will get to testing the upgraded circuit is on a computer simulator — and Hamilton has struggled.

“On my first lap I missed out the new section and continued on as normal,” Hamilton said. “It took a lap longer than normal to get used to not going up to Abbey and turning left but going right on to the new section.”

While Hamilton and Button have each won two races this season, so have Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Vettel, who led Webber in a one-two Red Bull finish at Silverstone last year, won the European Grand Prix at Valencia on June 27 after dominating from pole.

Vettel is third in the championship, 12 points behind Hamilton, while fourth-place Webber is twice as far adrift.

And the spotlight has been on the Vettel-Webber relationship since a costly run-in at Istanbul in May when Vettel made contact with Webber and spun while trying to pass for the lead.

“Some people thought it was the end of the world, but it wasn’t,” Webber said.

“The whole team has learned from the situation, including the drivers to a degree.”

If Webber and Vettel think they have problems, they are nothing compared with those of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

The German’s 15th-place finish at Valencia was the worst of his 258-race career, representing a new low in his comeback season for Mercedes. (Rob Harris)

Associated Press

Slovaks head home as heroes with bonuses in the bag

Durban - Slovakia had already hit the jackpot by qualifying for their first World Cup and now go home with the bonuses of knocking out the holders, reaching the last 16 and building up experience for next time round.

Coach Vladimir Weiss has nurtured a group of players who work well as a team, have pace on the wings and a cutting edge up front. They showed it best last week in the 3-2 win over Italy and by no means embarrassed themselves in Monday`s 2-1 defeat by Netherlands.

"It was a good result just to get here, anything else was a bonus," midfielder Vladimir Weiss, son of the coach, told reporters. "We hope we can come back to many World Cups in the future."

In their first Group F game against New Zealand they learnt a painful lesson when they conceded an equaliser in the last minute of added time, while in the next match against Paraguay they were simply outclassed and stunted in attack.

They fixed the mistakes from both matches and pulled together to achieve what had looked impossible when they were sitting bottom of the table -- a stylish victory over Italy and a place in the knockout round.

They tried the same approach against Netherlands but were torn apart by winger Arjen Robben, who coach Weiss called a "genius", and were punished for wasting chances.
"If we lost, I think it was because of lack of experience," midfielder Miroslav Stoch told reporters.

"This is our first time in the World Cup. We beat Italy, we were heroes. It was fantastic, I hope next time it will be better."

Having tasted life on the big stage, the players have an appetite for more and with many in their early or mid twenties, the backbone is there for a good team for several more years.

"Our players showed heart and courage and good football," said the proud coach.
Their exploits have won them many fans at home, where ice hockey is the number one sport, and players have often said they have now breathed new life into the sport in Slovakia.

"We have not disappointed fans at all," said captain Marek Hamsik, who along with defender Martin Skrtel were the only established names in the Slovakia side before the tournament.

They have now showcased the goalscoring talents of Robert Vittek and the speed of Stoch and they lasted longer than the likes of France and Italy in South Africa. (Uu.S022/P003)

Brazil retail sales flag during World Cup fever

Rio de Janeiro - World Cup fever has taken a toll on Brazilian retailers, who complain that customers disappear and profits nosedive whenever the home football team plays in South Africa, store owners said Wednesday.

In Rio de Janeiro, store owners reported a 50 percent drop in business when Brazil`s team is playing.

If the game falls on the weekend, like the upcoming quarter-finals match Friday between Brazil and the Netherlands, it`s even worse.

If Brazil wins, store owners said they don`t expect business to pick up until Monday.
"Stores close up earlier and stay closed. Only shopping malls reopen (after the match), and even there business is slack," Rio de Janeiro Store Directors` Club president Aldo Goncalvez told Agencia Brazil news agency.

He said the retail trade in Rio de Janeiro state has already lost 55 million dollars since the World Cup 2010 began on June 11.

"If Brazil gets to the final, we`ll be dealing with 550 million dollars in losses for stores across" the state, said Rio Business Association director Daniel Pla.

The only bright spot when the green-and-gold team is out on the pitch are vendors who specialize in World Cup memorabilia, including T-shirts, vuvuzelas, caps and banners, reports said. (Uu.F001/A008/P003)

Nadal overcomes Murray to reach Wimbledon final

London - Rafael Nadal torched Andy Murray`s Wimbledon dream for the second time in three years on Friday as the marauding Spaniard grounded rising British hopes to roar into his fourth final at the grand slam.

For all but a few minutes of a compelling two hour 22 minute Centre Court duel there was not a cigarette paper between the players but Nadal gobbled up the rare opportunities Murray offered to win 6-4 7-6 6-4 and move into Sunday`s showpiece against Czech Tomas Berdych who overpowered Novak Djokovic.

The 24-year-old Mallorcan has now won 13 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and is three sets from regaining the title he won in 2008 before injury kept him away last year.

"I never like comparisons," French open champion Nadal, said when asked if he was playing as well now as when he beat Roger Federer here two years ago in one of the best finals ever seen.

"Every year is completely different but for me this was an amazing day, a very important victory for me, one of the more difficult victories of my career."

Earlier in the tournament Murray played regally to entertain Queen Elizabeth but with David Beckham, England`s former soccer prince, watching on, he fell just short of becoming Britain`s first men`s singles finalist since 1938.

As he swished a forehand volley beyond the dusty baseline on Nadal`s first match point, the groan from the masses perched on Henman Hill peering at the large screen were probably audible all the way across to Buckingham Palace.

Home Hopes

Little blame could be attached to Murray, though, who had carried home hopes on his own since the first Tuesday by which time every other British player had gone out in the first round.

Even 2008 champion Nadal, one of the fiercest fighters the game has witnessed, seemed to feel the pain. "I wished him best of luck for the rest of the season, and sorry for today," Nadal said of his net exchange with a crestfallen Murray.

"I know it was an important match for him. I felt sorry for him because he`s a very nice person."

That would be scant consolation for Murray who again just failed when it mattered. The Scot began the year losing to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, as he did in the 2008 U.S.

Open final just a few months after being outplayed by Nadal in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Last year here it was an inspired Andy Roddick who ambushed him in the semis and the defeats get ever more painful.

"This is a little bit more disappointing than other grand slams because this one is the biggest one of the year for me.

It`s tough," a despondent Murray told a news conference minutes after walking off court.

"I haven`t seen the stats, but I would guess it was the difference of maybe five or six points in the match."

Actually it was seven, which illustrated just how tightly contested the match had been.

Resistance Crack

Only when Nadal broke back to level the third set at 4-4 did fourth seed Murray`s resistance finally crack and two games later the Spaniard was flat on his back in celebration.

Beckham`s arrival added to the huge sense of anticipation as the players walked out on court for their 11th career meeting and fifth in grand slam play.

Two years ago Murray was thrashed by Nadal but his performances here this time, together with a few dropped sets for Nadal and Roger Federer`s exit, elevated hopes to
fever-pitch proportions.

One poor game at 4-4 cost Murray the first set when a double fault and a fluffed forehand had the 23-year-old beating his fist into his arm in frustration.

Murray was the cleaner hitter in the second set and dropped just two points on his serve before the tiebreak on which the match was to hinge.

He had missed two break points when Nadal served at 3-4 in the set but as the tension became suffocating in the tiebreak he was gifted a set point when Nadal double-faulted at 5-5.

The Spaniard`s nerve was armour-plated as he produced a stunning drop volley to level at 6-6. He then got lucky when a fizzing backhand pass flicked off the net and jumped over Murray`s racket frame.

Nadal clinched the set with a pummelling forehand winner and Murray bounced his racket angrily into the turf.

There seemed hope when Murray started brightly in the third set, breaking Nadal to love to the delight of the partisan crowd but their joy did not last long as Nadal broke back in the eighth game and broke again to seal victory. (A008/C003/S026)

Vettel Dismisses Ferrari

With a victory in Valencia this past weekend, Sebastian Vettel has renewed his championship hopes. He has all but dismissed Ferrari as a contender as he says the championship battle is between Red Bull and McLaren

Vettel lies third in the race for Driver’s Champion behind Lewis and Hamilton. The McLaren pair have really stepped up to challenge RedBull which seemed certain to walk all over the rest of the grid with their impressive run for pole in all but one race this season.

Vettel knows however that things can turn in a hurry. He says, “Two races can change a lot McLaren have had a very good run, and looking at it now, I think it’s between us and McLaren…But we will see. It’s not even half time, so there’s a long way to go.”

Personal View,
With the new points sytem, any combination of DNF or podium can seriously change the look of driver’s championship while the constructors championship is not so easily swayed. If Vettel finds himself out of a race or two, and Lewis or Button win both of those races, the young German might change his tune. If Alonso is able to make good on the expected Ferrari form which we have yet to really witness, Seb could find himself behind the Spaniard.

As we have seen this weekend, emotions run high on both sides of the F1 curtain. Vettel feeling high on life right now because of his win and Alonso on a bitter low because of the Safety Car ruling against Hamilton. I would not dismiss Ferrari, Renault or even Mercedes at this point unless they, themselves throw in the towel.

As much missed legendary Murray Walker used to say, “Anything happens in Grand Prix racing and it usually does”.

So let’s see what happens next! (Ernesto Nigro)

Media work to bring Africa´s first W.Cup to Africans

Johannesburg (AFP) - It’s a four-and-a-half-hour flight or a three-day drive to get from Uganda to the World Cup in South Africa.

Combine that with ticket prices of 80 dollars (65 euros) apiece for the cheap seats, and the first World Cup on African soil is beyond reach for almost all Ugandans, whose average income is just over one dollar a day.

The same is true for most of the continent, where long trips and steep prices have limited people’s access to the tournament.

Jane Kasumba is one of the journalists working to fix that.

“We’ve tried to go the distance to ensure that everybody watches the World Cup that’s being held in Africa for the first time,” said Kasumba, a journalist with Uganda’s UBC TV.

“Never has an event of this magnitude been held here in Africa, so it has been nice, and everybody I think on the African continent is embracing it. They’re able to have a feeling of belonging.”

Kasumba is in South Africa covering the World Cup for the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB), a group of television and radio networks from 41 African countries that pooled their resources to buy the rights to the tournament and set up a studio in Johannesburg.

The AUB and FIFA brought 19 journalists from 15 countries to South Africa to cover the matches in English, French and Portuguese and produce a half-hour daily show on the tournament.

The group is broadcasting the matches to 41 countries, whose national networks would not have been likely to splurge on expensive World Cup rights on their own.

Djibril Traore, a TV journalist from Mali covering the tournament for the AUB, said seeing Africa host the World Cup has been a point of pride for Malians, even though their capital lies 5,800 kilometres (3,600 miles) from Pretoria.

“They’re very proud. There were a lot of European journalists who said Africa couldn’t do it, that there was too much insecurity. But now we’ve shown that Africa can do it. So we’re very proud,” he said.

African journalists have helped balance the media coverage of South Africa, which has at times taken a beating in the international press over high crime and poor public transport.

But only a handful of African media groups have been able to send correspondents to the tournament.

According to FIFA, of the roughly 18,000 journalists accredited for the World Cup, only about 250 were from the rest of Africa.

And the number is dwindling as African countries get eliminated from the tournament.

In one of the great disappointments of the World Cup, Ghana was the only one of a record six participating African teams to make it through to the second round. Correspondents from other countries have been called home as their national sides have been knocked out.

Some media companies have resorted to simply stealing or pirating their coverage.

State-owned broadcaster Cameroon Radio Television, the only network in the country that holds the rights to the World Cup, resorted to scrambling its signal after other networks pirated its match broadcasts.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, public broadcaster RTNC is a member of the AUB and the only one of the country’s 50-odd stations that holds the rights to the tournament.

Other networks have pirated the matches, adding their own pre- and post-match commentary.

The country’s written press has relied mainly on news agency articles and photos lifted from the Internet.

Elsewhere companies have been more creative.

In Kenya, one popular FM radio station has run live match commentaries from its Nairobi studios, where the commentators watch the matches live on TV and entertain their listeners with their own views.

“This particular World Cup has received much more local coverage than any other World Cup,” said veteran Kenyan football journalist and columnist Hezekiah Wepukhulu. “All the local media have given it prominence.”

Soccer star Donovan proud of US World Cup performance

Los Angeles (AFP) - Landon Donovan said he’s keen to get back to work with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and was proud of the US team’s World Cup performance despite their round of 16 exit.
“I think we felt that the Ghana game was a game we should have won,” Donovan admitted after his first practice with the Galaxy since returning from South Africa.

Ghana ousted the United States with a 2-1 victory in extra time last Saturday.

Donovan scored three goals in the World Cup and said he believes the Americans have progressed during the last several tournaments.

“People assume that there’s linear progression from World Cup to World Cup,” Donovan said. “It couldn’t be further from the truth. France and Italy were in the final four years ago and neither of them got out of their group.

“The fact that we’ve now qualified for six in a row, and that we’ve gotten out of our group two out of the last three, I think is a fantastic achievement for our country.”

Donovan credited coach Bob Bradley for boosting that progress.

“I think Bob has done a fantastic job,” Donovan said. “The most telling thing about Bob’s tenure, and all the players talked about this, is that there was no game we went into that we were in awe of or feared our opponent.

“I remember when I first came into the national team, we played against a lot of teams where you could see in guys’ eyes that they were scared. That’s never happened with Bob as the coach.”
Donovan said he was looking forward to his Major League Soccer return, and expects to stay in the US league for the time being.

English Premiership clubs Manchester City and Everton have been reported to be interested in Donovan, who played for Everton on loan earlier this year.

“Right now, I want to be in America,” Donovan said. “If there is something serious to look at, then I will. I never say never to anything. But for now, I’m very excited to be home.”

Holland send Brazil crashing out

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Ten-man Brazil crashed out of the World Cup on Friday as Holland came from behind to win 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

Robinho had put the five-time champions ahead but a Felipe Melo own goal and a Wesley Sneijder header gave the Dutch victory.

Twice finalists Holland now play Uruguay or Ghana in Cape Town next Tuesday for a place in the final.

Robinho had an early effort chalked off for offside but scored with a first-time shot after Melo played him in.

But thereafter they lost their shape and the Dutch roared back.

Eight minutes after the restart, Sneijder curled over a cross, keeper Julio Cesar missed it and the ball glanced in off Melo’s head.

And the Dutch then avenged 1994 and 1998 defeats by the South Americans on 68 minutes when Arjen Robben curled over a corner, Dirk Kuyt headed on and Sneijder headed home.

Melo was sent off for a stamp on Robben in the 73rd minute.

Inter president rules out transfer window swoop

Rome - Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti on Monday ruled out a January transfer window swoop despite his team’s 3-1 humbling at the hands of Atalanta on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho’s team were simply woeful in the first 45 minutes in which they conceded three goals and barely registered a single shot of their own.

But Moratti insisted there would be no knee-jerk reaction to Inter’s second league loss of the season.

"Yesterday was a terrible match, we played very badly, it was a match that really hurt," he said.

"It’s hard to say what I was happy about, it wasn’t a match, from the first whistle to the last there was no running, no concentration, nothing. It’s everyone’s and no-one’s fault.

"Yesterday’s match shows you that it would be absurd to look to the transfer market. Either you have 22 players who are washed out or it’s absurd to look to the transfer market."

Mourinho had left out two of his big money summer signings – Ricardo Quaresma and Mancini – as well as talented young forward Mario Balotelli while preferring a host of players in their 30s but Moratti refused to criticise his choices.

"Mourinho makes the decisions he feels are the right ones to choose those who are in the best form, regardless of their age," said the president.

"I have no problem with him not changing players or leaving out younger ones in favour of older ones.

"It’s difficult for Mourinho to pick the team but he picks who he wants."

Written by: AFP

Account Sales Representative at PT. Tiga Dimensi Teknologi

As a Channel / Account Sales Representative/Manager, you will be responsible for selling software related (Primarily Sybase and Qlikview) high value infrastructure enterprise software solutions into Channel Partners and direct accounts. This role is designed for a "Hunter" with a razor-sharp focus on customer satisfaction, and forward-thinking approach to building and nurturing long term strategic partnerships.

The ideal candidate will possess: Broad and deep business acumen; Successful track record in sales . Ability to drive and d closing complex transactions in a highly competitive environment.

Responsibilities will include:
Serving as primary client liaison and strategic resource in support of software products and services within designated territory partner accounts; Establishing new accounts, up-selling existing accounts and focusing on the channel side of VAR/ISV; Creating, enhancing, and managing strategic business relationships; Identifying business opportunities and leading short & long term development plans; Understanding of customer's business and product requirements, market trends, and anticipating external/internal factors in combination with proposed solution; Developing and maintaining selling and technical expertise and demonstrating depth/breadth of product expertise across relevant portfolio products; Driving opportunities in conjunction with partners and support team to meet and exceed monthly, quarterly and annual revenue objectives; Closing business to meet or exceed monthly, quarterly and annual revenue objectives.

Qualifications:
The desired incumbent will possess:
1-3 years of demonstrated history selling software solutions into decision makers.
Prior experience in channels or Sales account management within a quota and commission structured environment is required; along with in-depth knowledge/experience selling software and technology solutions into channel partners; A demonstrated history of consistent goal achievement, ideally with objectives in excess of $1M per year is necessary; Consistent and verifiable earnings history of quota over achievement, with demonstrated success of multi-year quota achievement within the same company; Demonstrated ability to articulate both the business value and technical benefits of product solutions; Excellent communication and presentation skills; English speaking and writing is required.

Outstanding relationship-building skills coupled with a high degree of responsiveness and integrity; Proven track record of growing multi-year customer relationships through installed base and new business opportunities; Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, Marketing or other relevant area of study; Strong usage of metrics and ability to accurately forecast on an on-going basis.

Sales Executive at PT. Jugaad Steel Indonesia

ob description:
1. Business developing and main the existed customers
2. Following up all order details
3. Marketing investigation and feedback to the head office


Requirement:
1. Fluent in both English and Indonesian, mandarin is a plus
2. Graduated related to international trade/management and business, sales
experience in steel/automotive/home appliance business is a plus
3. Good at communication, hardworking and responsible
4. Good at self-management

Senior Management and Educational Jobs in Kenya - Operations, HR, Training

An exciting new educational project aims to build thousands of schools in deprived areas of Kenya, providing low cost, high quality primary education to hundreds of thousands of children.

The project operates an innovative business model geared to the needs of poor families.

We are now looking for talented and motivated people to spearhead a rapid expansion.

These are hands-on positions demanding drive and passion, and require people who can demonstrate specific experience as follows.

Support Services Manager
Ref BA/DSS/TB/7

This role provides leadership to the support of all schools within the project network and includes the design and implementation of processes and tools for audit and quality assurance, as well as day-to-day oversight and management of a rapidly growing team of support personnel.

The function spans all operational, instructional, financial and human resource management systems to ensure cost-effective support and monitoring of the schools.

Applicants must have ten years experience managing a large-scale field support or supervisory team for a business with many geographically separated units or delivery outlets such as shops, stores or kiosks.

Involvement in slum projects would be an advantage.

Director of Recruiting and Human Resources
Ref BA/HHR/TB/4

This is a senior, hands-on position for an experienced practitioner with over five years corporate HR experience which includes direct involvement in the hiring process of a large scale business operation.

You will have a broad understanding of the HR needs of a fast growing business organisation as well as the ability to implement the necessary systems and processes.

The success of the project demands that it be HR driven, with a professional HQ support team leading field operations with teachers and school managers recruited from the poor communities where schools are located. You must be able to provide the necessary leadership to achieve this.

Operations Training Manager
Ref BA/DSO/TB/3

Applicants’ background must be in corporate job skills training where you can show a track record of significant achievements.

You will be fully up to date with participatory learning techniques, materials development and direct instruction in a diverse business environment.

The position takes responsibility for hands-on training of school managers in the company’s unique operating procedures and for developing training methodologies
and materials.

It does not require an education sector background. Since the number of schools will escalate rapidly, the successful candidate needs to be proficient in devising scalable approaches to train large numbers of people in multiple locations.

Director of Curriculum Development
Ref BA/DCD/TB/2

The successful candidate will be a mature professional with demonstrable hands-on experience in designing, writing, editing and producing instructional classroom materials, ideally at primary level.

You will take responsibility for upgrading all of the instructional components of the company’s unique ‘School in a Box’ system. You must also have strong management experience and experience in scaling up instructional systems to serve large numbers of students, teachers and institutions.

The post is suitable for someone who has led the development of widely-distributed commercially published textbooks or instructional materials

An appropriate educational qualification is important.

Director of Teacher Training
Ref BA/DTT/TB/6

Teachers for company schools are recruited from the local community and may have no previous teaching experience.

This position takes responsibility for the hands-on training of such people, and for developing training methodologies and materials.

You must have direct experience in developing and implementing large scale multi-week teacher training courses, including the design of scripted training materials, tools, systems and learning activities, as well as evaluative assessments.

Experience in the private education sector is essential. The number of teachers will grow exponentially and the successful candidate must be able to scale up the training operations to cover thousands of people in multiple locations.

How to Apply

Please follow these instructions precisely or your application will be rejected. Forward your application by e-mail, indicating your chosen position and its reference in the subject line. Please advise your present salary and availability.

Attach your CV showing your relevant work experience and qualifications. DO NOT attach scanned images. Please do not apply for more than one position. Only candidates meeting our requirements will be contacted and will be required to undergo competency testing as well as interviewing.

Full job descriptions can be accessed by following the links on www.tackafrica.com or www.byappointmentafrica.com.

Please forward all applications to edujobs@tackatrica.com.

Archive