16 February
Community newspaper
Full court drama report on Page 3 Photos: TK Mashaba
R1-20/FREE
2018
The BEAT
Missing priest body discovered
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In a dramatic twist to the unfolding narrative, Henrietta Ledwaba’s lawyer reportedly withdrew from the case
No less than four politicians in court on a range of charges which include, among others, expletives allegedly hurled at a complainant
16 February, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
NEWS
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Body of missing Modimolle priest discovered
House consumed by mystery fire
Ranokeng Ndhlovu points out to the gutted house. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane Modimolle resident Ranokeng Ndhlovu was relaxing at his Extension 7 home on Saturday, 10 February when he was informed that his brother’s house in the nearby extension 8 was on fire. He rushed to the scene and found the community trying to douse out the fire, with members of the fire fighting department also arriving to provide professional assistance. The fire proved to be more powerful as it continued to cause extensive damage, besides collective attempts to stop it. Ndhlovu told The BEAT that prior to this incident, a group of children allegedly threw stones at the house in question, damaging its windows in the process.
“I managed to identify them through selfconducted investigations. I then went to speak to their families and we came to an agreement that they will repair the damaged windows. When I was at home later that day, I received more devastating news. That is when I was told about the fire,” he said. He said the first thing that raced through his mind at the time, was the whereabouts of the tenant who lived in the house. Ndhlovu said it could have been worse if he was inside at the time of the incident. “There was no one in the house when all this occurred. You could imagine what could have happened if there was anyone inside. We are still in the dark as to what caused the fire, but we are hoping all will be revealed by the police investigations,” Ndhlovu said.
Alleged rape victim charged Andries van der Heyde A woman from Bela-Bela is facing a charge of perjury after she falsely accused a man of raping her. The man was due to be sentenced when Dora Nkwe told the court that she had lied about the alleged rape. According to the police, this alleged rape took place in December 2016, when Nkwe met George Maimela, at a local tavern. The two allegedly left the tavern together and went to Maimela’s home for the evening. Shortly after, Nkwe laid a complaint at the Bela-Bela police station against Maimela, stating that he allegedly raped her. Maimela was then charged for the alleged crime. He was granted bail after appearing in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court.
The case was then transferred to the Modimolle Regional Court for trial. The latter court found Maimela guilty on charges of rape on 6 September 2017, bail was revoked and he was taken into custody. His sentencing was scheduled for Thursday 25 January, the day when Nkwe came forward, stating she had lied to the court about the rape. Maimela was then released after five months in custody. Nkwe, now going by the matrimony surname of Waseem, was formally charged with perjury and has already appeared in court. Her next appearance will take place at the Modimolle Regional Court on Monday 26 February. The police have warned that any person who defeats the ends of justice, and intentionally wastes the court’s time and resources, as well as that of the police, will suffer the consequences.
Prophet of Doom awaits his fate Modimolle’s One Body Church Reverend Oubaas Jonas Mokau. Photo: Supplied Mzamane Ringane An inquest was to be opened following the discovery of the body of the missing One Body Church clergyman, the Reverend Oubaas Jonas Mokau. Locals have received with shock the news that a farmworker at the Middlefontein Farm, outside Modimolle, had stumbled into the loved 75-year-old priest’s remains in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 February. Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the family had positively identified the remains by the clothes found “at the crime
scene.” “The discovered bones were collected for DNA tests to (further) confirm that is indeed his remains, (and also) to inform the police if there is no foul play in his death,” he explained. Ngoepe said the elderly clergyman’s wallet and money were found intact, but still investigations would probe “if there is no foul play.” The missing Mokau was last seen in December last year. At the time it was reported the Mokau family had last seen the elderly clergyman when he informed them he was visiting his sister, but never reached his destination.
Mzamane Ringane Following the conviction of Limpopo’s controversial “Prophet of Doom”, Pastor Lethebo Rabalago, by the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court last Friday, 9 February, his defence lawyer has asked for a postponement of the case to Thursday, 22 February. The pastor, who came under the spotlight after spraying the toxic pesticide onto the faces of members of his congregation to “heal and deliver” them from various ailments, was found guilty on seven charges. The charges include, among others, the illegal use of an over-the-counter
potentially poisonous insect repellent, and also assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. On 22 February, both the State and defence were expected to plead in mitigation and aggravation of sentence. In 2017 the Limpopo High Court granted an interdict, banning the pastor from using “hazardous materials” on members of the congregation. The Department of Health in Limpopo also at the time condemned Rabalago’s actions, charging that his actions posed serious health risks. The case dates back to 2016, when the photos of Pastor Rabalago spraying an insecticide onto the faces of congregants went viral on social media.
16 February, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
NEWS
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High noon for four Bela-Bela politicians in the courts Justin Steyn The Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court was kept busy with no less than four prominent politicians making courtroom appearances last Friday, 9 February, over charges ranging from crimen injuria to trespassing. In an unprecedented co-incidence, BelaBela ANC heavyweights, Chief Whip Henrietta Ledwaba, ward councillor and former mayor Freddy Hlungwane, former councillor John Sesane, and EFF firebrand Sello Moswoeu, warmed the benches of the courts on that fateful day. In a dramatic twist to the unfolding narrative, Ledwaba’s lawyer reportedly withdrew from the case, which was a sequel to the charge of crimen injuria against the Chief Whip. According to the charge sheet, Ledwaba allegedly hurled expletives at one Violet Baloyi. The case has been postponed to Wednesday, 28 February, to allow Ledwaba to access new legal representation. Hlungwane faces two charges of intimidation, following the alleged violent
No less than four politicians in court over a range of charges which include, among others, expletives hurled at a complainant. Photo: Justin Steyn
Mampatile Primary social ills dilemma
threats levelled at community-based activists, Lucas Phala and Josias Ramalekana. The incidents allegedly took place during separate occasions in June last year. According to the charge sheet, the parties involved have been granted the opportunity to seek conflict resolution outside court, failing which the courts would preside over the dispute. The case was postponed to Wednesday, 28 February. The next court date with regards to Moswoeu’s case of alleged trespassing is Monday, 26 February. The courts also sought access to outstanding statements from the complainants, the Bela-Bela Local Municipality. Moswoeu’s charges stem from an alleged illegal land occupation campaign in October of last year. In another unfolding court drama, former ANC councillor John Sesane’s alleged reckless driving case has been postponed to Wednesday, 28 February, for bloodtest results. Sesane was charged on Saturday, 25 November.
Landfill site case triumph Justin Steyn
Learners received basic needs such as shoes. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Mampatile Primary School headmaster, Lesiba Joseph Matlala, has expressed grave concern at the “bounce back” effect of drug abuse rehabilitation endeavours. Speaking during the handover of school shoes, socks and sanitary towels to some of the learners, Matlala said many of the exisiting programmes aimed at the
rehabilitation of drug abuse victims, were somewhat of a temporarary measure. He expressed concern that substance abusers “bounce back” to their bad ways, since programmes assisting them are only a temporary solution. Another concern was that these social ills affected learners’ academic performance. Matlala lamented community-based sources of social ills such as
uncontrolled shebeens. Guest speaker, Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni said tourism was a key economic activity in the town. He dropped a bombshell when he threatened to charge tourism operators a levy to be channelled towards community development. The shoes, socks and sanitation towels were made possible by the generosuity of spirit from the local branch of a commercial bank and the municipality.
The Mookgophong branch of AfriForum has declared victory after winning a court case against the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality, regarding the poor manner in which the Mookgophong landfill site was being managed. The case was finalized at the North-Gauteng High Court on Wednesday, 7 February, with judgement granted in favour of AfriForum. According to Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum’s district coordinator for Limpopo, the organization approached the court in 2016, after a number of complaints were received from residents over the poor management and poor condition of the landfill site. He explained that the landfill site also did not comply with licence requirements, which led to the pollution of ground water. The initial court case took place on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 and judgment was reserved. Grobbelaar explained in a statement the high court had
Two separate accidents claim the lives of three people Justin Steyn Three people were reported dead from two separate road accidents at Bela-Bela and Modimolle. The spokesperson for the Waterberg Advanced Paramedics Assistance (APA) initiative, Andy Gill, said the first accident, an alleged head-on collision, occurred during the late hours of Wednesday, 7 February. “APA was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on the Thabazimbi Road just past Hoërskool Warmbad. On arrival we found two patients with serious to critical injuries,” he said. He said attempts to resuscitate one of the injured passengers were unsuccessful. “Our paramedics attempted to resuscitate one of the patients, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. The other patient was stabilized on the scene and
ruled that refuse must be removed in an environmentallyfriendly manner, and that drainage systems must be built to separate and relay run-off from the landfill site. The court also ruled that water tests be conducted at all boreholes, streams and rivers within five days, and be referred to accredited laboratories for analysis. Also, the court ruled that an operational plan, explaining how rehabilitation of the landfill site will take place, must be compiled within 60 days. Proper access control, as well as applicable notice boards at the landfill site as stipulated in the licence, must be implemented within two weeks. “The ruling is a definite victory for us and continuous pressure must be applied on the municipality to ensure favourable results. This court ruling forces the municipality to improve the landfill site, but it is our job to see to it that this takes place in a sustainable manner,” Grobbelaar said. Mayor Marlene van Staden had not responded to emailed queries at the time of going to print.
Burried baby shockwaves TK Mashaba
One of the fatal accidents. Photo supplied transported to a hospital in the area,” Gill said. The following day, Thurday, 8 February, Gill said his team rushed to another accident near Modimolle. “We dispatched a team to a motor vehicle accident on the N1 North about 10km past Kranskop Tollgate.
On arrival we found the vehicles had collided head-on,” he said. Gill said the accident resulted in two casualties, with other passengers sustaining minor to serious injuries. He said three of the injured patients were transported to a hospital in the Gauteng area, due to the seriousness of their injuries.
Two Bela-Bela women have been charged with the alleged concealment of a new-born baby. Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla said the two women, both in their mid-thirties, were arrested after investigations pointed to a newborn baby being illegally buried, at a yet to be identified site last Wednesday, 7 February. Sinah Baloyi, the baby’s mother, and her accomplice Josta Dikeledi Manye, appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 9 February. Phetla said the twosome was rounded off following a tip-off from the community. He said the two women refused to point out to investigators where the baby had been buried. The two women remain in custody ahead of a formal bail application.
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16 February, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Glimmer of hope for rainfall in the region Mzamane Ringane There was a slight chance the drought-hit Modimolle and large parts of the Waterberg could receive fair to good rains over the coming weekend. According to world weather online, moderate to heavy rain was forecast for Sunday, 18 February and next Tuesday, 20 February. The weatherman had also forecast some patchy rain for Friday and Saturday across the drought-stricken areas. It remains to be seen if the forecast downpour would make any positive difference to water levels at Modimolle’s Donkerpoort Dam and Welgevonden at Mookgopohong. The same weather patterns were this week forecast by the weatherman for Mookgophong and Bela-Bela. The scarcity of water at the ModimolleMookgophong municipality has been a thorny issue that has left residents frustrated over a period of time.
The weather bureau has forecast a fair chance of rain in Modimolle and other towns. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Marlene Van Staden recently told The BEAT the Donkerpoort Dam had the capacity to supply water for 96 days, while Welgevonden Dam has 40 days of water supply capacity.
80 pairs of shoes for most needy
Van Staden said the situation required for a rationing process to be implemented, so as to allow all residents to have access to water. High-lying areas such as Extension 10 and Bosveldsig are mostly affected by this
crisis. The mayor said the recent high temperatures triggered a high demand, which resulted in the current situation and further made a plea for the residents of Modimolle to pray for rain.
Dispute over Mataboge’s R1-million vehicle Executive Mayor the Waterberg District Municipality, Morris Mataboge is urged to return his car, a Mercedes Benz GL SUV valued at an estimated R1 million. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela
A total of 80 pairs of shoes and other goodies were made available to the most needy learners at various schools in the region. Photos: Supplied
The Community Work Program (CWP), in partnership with Organisation Hands On (OHO) and Waterberg Hands of Hope (WHOH), all from Modimolle, continued with their Back-to-school shoes initiative. On Monday, 12 February, the collective of Good Samaritans handed out more school shoes, to most needy learners. The schools’ whistle-stop charity drive arrived at Laerskool Doornfontein, Laerskool Alma and Mokolo Primary School in Vaalwater, where a total of 80 pairs of shoes were distributed. The team encouraged the learners by making sure they each know how important they are as school learners, for they are the future leaders of South Africa! And with that being said, they want to
thank all the teachers in the community for the great work they do by teaching these future generation leaders. It was roundly agreed that a small impact made today in the lives of the learners, will make a greater impact in the future. They would like to thank everyone for their financial contribution and shoes, for together with your help they can continue to make a positive impact within the community. With the chilly winter months approaching, this project will continue in more schools within the Waterberg district. If you want to join in and help them to further their impact, please feel free to contact Janine at 083 225 2858 or email waterberg.handsofhope@gmail.com.
The DA in the Waterberg has cried foul over the district mayor’s R1-million German-made top-of-the-range official vehicle. The Waterberg District Municipality had not responded to The BEAT’s queries at the time of going to print, regarding the DA’s issues around the luxury Mercedes Benz GL SUV. The DA said the vehicle cost the taxpayer R1-million. DA caucus leader Nadine Laubscher said Mataboge should dispose of the vehicle, which she said affected service delivery. The DA called on the Limpopo Cooperative Governance MEC, Jerry Ndou,
to urgently probe this “display of wasteful expenditure”, and to hold the mayor accountable. Laubscher said the DA believed a costeffective vehicle could have been made available for Mataboge. She said it was unacceptable this kind of money was spent on one luxury vehicle while, for example, firefighting services were understaffed and needed additional vehicles. “National Treasury urges all the municipalities to spend at least 60% of their budgets towards service delivery, but (the) Waterberg District Municipality, under the helm of Mayor Mataboge, disregards these regulations,” she charged. Municipal spokesperson, Pat Malete, promised to respond shortly.
16 February, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
EDITORIAL
Bela-Bela mayor raises red flag over dam levels I would like to send greetings of the new season to all citizens and ratepayers of BelaBela Municipality and wish everyone a prosperous 2018. As we are in the month of Love, I wish for Love to prevail throughout our Municipality and I wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day. Last year (2017) came and went, we had our highs and lows, our challenges and our victories. In this new year we are looking forward with hope and expectations. There are a number of projects that we have planned in order to make our community a better one. We started the year with good news from the 2017 matriculants as they managed to put Bela-Bela on the map. The overall matric
performance from last year improved impressively to an extent that we were recognized by the Provincial Department of Education. As a Municipality, we recognized and rewarded the best performers from all the schools in Bela-Bela. We will be working closely with the schools and all the relevant authorities in making sure that our schools are clean, and become a healthy environment for the learners. We will support all school sports
JEREMIA NGOBENI Mayor of Bela-Bela
activities. During the first week of March we will be hosting Batho-Pele Day. On this day we will be taking all the services that the Municipality offers to the people. This day will be closely followed by a community Imbizo where members of the community will, among others, be given the opportunity to voice out their challenges and problems. During the course of the
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month of April, we will be hosting three major events, namely the Senior Citizens Day, the Mayoral Fun Run and the Career Exhibition. The exact dates for these events will be communicated in due course. There will also be an establishment of a Youth Council with its purpose to lobby and advocate youth development. Youth-based organisations will be required to register as part of the Youth Council. The water level at dams in our Municipality is at 31%. Residents are urged to use water sparingly. The appointments of municipal top management positions are at an advanced stage, and we are in fact waiting for the finalization of the broader process.
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OPINION / LEGALS
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Write to the Editor at beateditor@gmail.com or PO Box 16 Bela-Bela 0480.
happen to be The BEAT’s finest editors-at-large SMALLS Politicians Although politicians were likely Grand Parade in remembrance of Mandela’s driving. Also in recent days Justin
to view this with a pinch of salt, Steyn returned from the Belaeditors love the way these chaps Bela Magistraste’s Court to help to sell newspapers. report that on the same day that We report elsewhere in these Moswoeu made an appearance, pages how a total of four four other politicians were at the politicians appeared before the courts. magistrate’s court over various Among these was … ladies charges. and gentlemen, please rise to Funeral tent, 50 Chairs, Bela-Bela EFF firebrand, Sello welcome the grande dame of 2x2 Fibre glass toilets for sale. Contact Gerhard Moswoeu, made another court Waterberg politics, Henrietta 082 416 6067 appearance over allegations of “Die Bang” Ledwaba. trespassing. According to information at The energetic Moswoeu is a our disposal, Ledwaba was regular visitor to The BEAT expected to appear again in offices, with the objective to court on Friday, 21 February, keep the red beret brigade over the unfolding case of programmes alive in the pages CONSENT USE ON 977, alleged crimen injuria, which WARMBATHS of your favourite read. translates into the use of foul TOWNSHIP, BELA BELA But still we are always alert as and/or threatening language. Notice is hereby given in terms of clause 21 of the to what’s newsworthy and The claimant was a lady by the Bela Bela Land Use what’s not. name of Violet Scheme, 2008, that the In recent undersigned, being the Baloyi who, authorised agent, intends days we had a according to our applying to the Bela Bela lengthy political ear-toMunicipality for special consent to use erf 977, discussion the-ground, Lizzy Warmbaths Extension 5, with Moswoeu Bapela, does not Bela Bela and/or buildings on the thereon for the purpose of feature much in Bed and Breakfast principle of the hurly-burly of Accommodation. sub judice, and local politics. Objections to or presentations in respect of other legal We are looking the application must be implications forward to how lodged with or made in around his writing to: The Municipal readers snap up Manager at the above continued copies of The LETTER FROM THE EDITOR address or Private Bag court BEAT against the x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, Johnny Masilela within a period of 28 days appearances. backdrop of the from 16 February 2018. The good unfolding grande Further particulars with thing is that he did agree with regard to the proposed use dame court process. is obtainable from our complex take on some of Making a court appearance on undersigned these issues. the same day was former mayor GEO PROJECTS, P.O. Box 919, Warmbaths, EFF stories often trend fairly and current ward councillor, 0480, well on our website, and the Freddy Hlungwane, on Tel: 082 881 7252, email: reasons range from the geo@bospoort.net (16&23/ allegations of verbal threats 02). desperation of the homeless, but against civil activists Joseph also the interest from the upper Ramalekana and Lucas Phala. classes as to the question of We and the readers should land grabs. keep a close eye on this one, too. Justin reports that ward committee co-ordinator, John Sesane also appeared on the same day, over alleged reckless Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
LEGALS
COPYRIGHT
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Lo and behold, for I am writing this piece on the Monday, the day on which the NEC of the ANC was scheduled to hold an extraordinary summit to discuss the “future” of Jacob Zuma. Take note that I am not referring to “President” Zuma, because by the time you read this South Africa was very much likely to be a whole new country. All indications were that the space had been squeezed around Zuma, who hardly made an appearance at the Cape Peninsula’s
first speech from 27 years of imprisonment. There were so many conspiracy theories ahead of the NEC meeting, with one suggesting Msholozi considering turning State witness against the likes of the Guptas. My foot! My favourite political analyst, Stephen Grootes, turned the scenario upside-down, suggesting the Guptas may as well rush to the head of the queue, and report Zuma’s alleged shenanigans at the nearest police station.
BELA-BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela, 0480, Private Bag X1609, Bela-Bela, 0480
PUBLIC NOTICE CALLING FOR INSPECTION OF SUPPLEMENTARY VALUATION ROLL AND LODGING OF OBJECTIONS In terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), hereinafter referred to as the “Act”, it is advised that the 1st Supplementary Valuation Roll for the financial year 01 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 will be open for public inspection at the office of the Chief Financial Officer, Main Building (Chris Hani Drive) during office hours 08:00 to 16:00 from 05 March 2018 to 05 April 2018. In addition, the valuation roll will be available as of 05 March 2018 at website: www.belabela.gov.za An invitation is hereby made in terms of section 49(l)(a)(ii) and 78(2) of the Act that any owner of property or other person who so desires, should lodge an objection with the Municipal Manager in respect of any matter reflected in, or omitted from, the supplementary valuation roll within the above-mentioned period. Attention is specifically drawn to the fact that in terms of section 50(2) of the Act, an objection must be in relation to a specific individual property and not against the supplementary valuation roll as such. The form for the lodging of an objection is obtainable at the following address: Revenue Office, Bela-Bela Municipal Building, Chris Hani Drive, Bela -Bela. The completed forms must be returned to the Revenue Office during office hours, to be registered by the Property Rates Officer: Mr Elias Monyepao or Accountant: Property Rates: Ms Petunia Thobela. For enquiries please phone: Mr. E Monyepao on (014) 736 8000 or email: monyepaoe@belabela.gov.za or Ms. PG Thobela on (014) 736 80000 or email: thobelap@belabela.gov.za Municipal Offices Chris Hani Drive Private Bag X1609 Bela-Bela 0480 RF Ntekele Acting Municipal Manager Notice No: 13/18
BELA-BELA (014) 736 2723 MODIMOLLE (014) 717 1774 MOOKGOPHONG (014) 743 3802
BLOCK add can also be done at additional charges. For more information please contact our offices.
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16 February, 2018 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
SCHOOL
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It’s athletics time for Waterberg schools! High schools and primary schools from across the Waterberg in recent days competed in the annual athletics meeting. These stunning pictures capture the tense moments and grit as young athletes showcase their talent. Hoërskool Nylstroom and Hoërskool Warmbad were the main victors. Photos: Herman Steyn
KT Sono from Hoërskool Warmbad won the boys’ under-17 hurdles event over 110metres and 400-metres.
Lethabo Simango from Laërskool Warmbad won the boys’ under-13, 1 500-metre event.
Ofentse Mokwena from Hoërskool Warmbad won the under-17 short putt and juvenile events.
Letlhogonolo Mhlanga from Laërskool Warmbad won the girls’ under-13 short putt contest
William Mabena from Hoërskool Nylstroom won the boys under-19 event over 100metres, 200metres and 400metres.
Pule Sebolao from Laërskool Warmbad emerged victorious in the boys’ under-13 event in the 100 to 200-metre hurdles.
Schools and other community-based structures are advised to communicate with The BEAT on beateditor@gmail.com for events in their own backyard.
Mampiri Molepo from Hoërskool Nylstroom won the boys’ under-19 hurdles over 400-metres.
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SPORT
16 February, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Ditlou FC coach among the best
Dark clouds over Limpopo soccer TK Mashaba
The coaching skills development initiative in progress. Photo: Supplied
TK Mashaba Mogalakwena’s Ditlou FC head coach, July Nyaweni, was among the creme de la creme of soccer coaches from the amateur ranks to complete the Safa Dlicence course in Pretoria in recent days. The coach was part of the weeklong course conducted at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, which started on Monday, 12 February, and was expected to be rounded off on Friday, 16 February. The South African Football Association
(Safa), through the sponsorship of the SAB, hosted the skills camp, tailored to upskill local coaches to world-class standards. Coaches from across 52 Safa regions underwent training at the HighPerformance Centre. The organisers said in a statement the training was the country’s largest grassroots football development initiative, aimed at providing coaches with skills to identify and develop the country’s future stars. Succesful candidates received the highly sought-after Safa D-license
accreditation. “The ongoing sponsorship of the SAB League has ensured that the standard of football is well developed from grassroots, and elevated to greater heights. In order to establish a progressive development league, our approach to football focuses on the holistic development of not just coaches but players, match officials and administrators in the league,” said spokesperson, Nirishi Trikamjee. The low level regional leagues were reputed to touch the lives of 30 000 players on a weekly basis.
Avalanche of goals from Mookgophong Junior Stars FC Mzamane Ringane Waterberg SAB Regional League campaigners, Mookgophong Junior Stars FC produced an unprecedented avalanche of goals when the team battered Modimolle Bussel FC in a 15-goal thriller on Saturday, 10 February. Mookgophong Junior Stars FC humiliated the Modimolle visitors 14-1, during a league match-up which was played at Mookgophong Grounds. The Mookgophong team is now sitting on position three with 17 points, while Bussel FC occupies the sixth spot with 14 points. Modimolle Bussel FC will have another mountain to climb when the disgraced Modimolle lads host Bela Bela Diesel ‘n Dust FC this weekend at Tankeng Grounds, while Mookgophong Juniors Stars FC travels to Modimolle to do battle with Modimolle Troublemakers FC at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium. Modimolle Troublemakers FC played to a 0-all draw with Modimolle Celtic FC, while Diesel N Dust FC still boasts a confident 50 victory over Modimolle Home Defenders FC last weekend. Modimolle Home Defenders FC will have to regroup and focus on their next league fixture away to Vaalwater on Saturday, where the team is scheduled to lock horns with Vaalwater Boys 2 Men FC. In other forthcoming fixtures,
Troublemakers FC goalkeeper Sello Baloyi and referees in a pre-match pep-talk. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC, which managed to ease past Bela Bela Pirates 2-0 last weekend, will this weekend host
Modimolle Celtic FC. All matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday, 17 February.
Surprise package Baroka FC were once again expected to fly the embattled Limpopo soccer flag in the R20-million Nedbank Cup. The Ga-Mphahlele team was scheduled to do battle with Free State Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane mid-week. Two home province campaigners, Polokwane City FC and Tzaneen Mariveni FC , were last weekend sent packing from the coveted competition. Polokwane City went down 3-2 to National First Division campaigners, Ubuntu Cape Town, while EC Bees from the Eastern Cape walloped Tzaneen Mariveni FC 3-1 at the latter’s homeground. Baroka FC broke significant ground in national football when a couple of years ago, the then unknowns from Ga-Mphahlele eliminated both Moroka Swallows Limited and Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, from the so-called “cup of dreams”. Many of the Nedbank Cup favourites managed to proceed to the last-16 stage of the tournament, among them African Champions League kings, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, which narrowly accounted for Cape Town All Stars 1-0. It was sweet revenge for Orlando Pirates when it walloped Ajax Cape Town 2-0, a week after the latter had beaten Pirates in a league fixture. Kaizer Chiefs eliminated Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-0 to advance to the next stages of the Nedbank Cup. Supersport United FC was the only big team to have come down crashing from the competition, after losing 5-4 on penalties to Bloemfontein Celtic FC.