Missing soccer stars

River body identified as commentator Fraser

THE many racing and media friends of Doug Fraser had their worst fears confirmed on Friday when his family were informed that the body recovered from the River Aire in Leeds last Sunday had been formally identified by West Yorkshire Police as that of the popular commentator who lived nearby.

Fraser, 54, was reported missing after failing to turn up to work at Hexham on Saturday, June 5, and had last been sighted alive on CCTV leaving his city centre flat at 2am the previous morning.

The father-of-two's failure to arrive at the Northumberland track immediately prompted concerned colleagues to contact the police as his unexplained absence was out of character.

Fraser, who was separated from his wife andlived alone, started his racing career with Extel in 1979. He went on to become well known across the sport through his racecourse, betting shop, TV and radio work. A freelance, he had most recently been combining on-course duties with shifts at Leeds-based Blue 2 Green Ltd, which provides off-TV commentaries for SIS, William Hill Radio and others, and where he last worked four days before his disappearance.

Paying tribute, fellow commentator Darren Owen said: "I have known Doug for 20 years and he was the ultimate professional. As well as being a top-class racing commentator, he was an excellent all-round broadcaster with an in-depth knowledge and passion for sport in general.

"Although a very private individual, he was still a team player and an integral part of the broadcasting community based in Leeds.

"Doug had a dry sense of humour which was evident in his famous text messages. I am really struggling to get my head round what has happened, but we will all miss the big man."

An inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned on Monday. No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, but it could take place towards the end of next week.

As someone who has followed Benny McCarthey's career closely i will take it upon myself to enlighten those ignorant on this fantastic footballers achievements.

BM has played in 4 of Europes top leagues since 1997:
Holland - Ajax
Spain - Celta Vigo
Portugal - Porto
England - Blackburn / West Ham

During this time he has won the League in both Holland and Portugal.
He has won the Europe's Champions League with Porto coached by one Jose Mourinho.
He won the golden boot during his time at Porto.

How many players in the history of soccer can claim these achievements.
He has been earning hundreds of million rands playing in the worlds strongest leagues for a very long time (14 years).
The only way someone can do this is if they have immence skill, focus, dedication and complete committment.
BM has brought joy to millions of football fans in Europe who have supported and adored him over the years.


Unfortunately BM's love / hate relationship with SA fans started when he took a principled decision against SAFA and insisted they raise their standards.
After being called up by SAFA for international matches, this would be the typical scenario he would face:
- being informed very late about his selection;
- arrive at the airport and there was no booking for him;
- he would then make his own arrangements which resulted in him arriving late and tired; and
- he would never be reimbursed for the expenses.
There have been other problems over the years relating to contracts, salaries and bonuses.

He was left out of the World Cup squad, iam not sure why but Benny is better than the guys we currently have.

So surely if you have scored 31 international goals, over 100 at club goals in Europe and have played / excelled at World Cups, African Nation Cups and Europe's Champions League competitions you are a STAR.

Benny McCarthey is the best and most accomplished footballer SA has ever produced, him together with Pienaar were our only hopes as this World Cup.

In terms of earnings and achievements he is up there with the best sportmen SA has ever produced, maybe he deserves a little respect.

Benni Who???

We have a Tshabalala. Played for Pofadder United