Sport focus ed 77

September 2016 February 2017

2 First and foremost let me thank God for saving us to see the light of the day in 2017.

Secondly let me take this opportunity to congratulate Cameroon on winning Total Africa Cup of Nations against seven times winners, Egypt. Against all the odds you guys have made it.

We also thank you our loyal readers for walking along our side last year, and as we start the new year, we are looking

- nakampe@sports-focus.co.za 071 562 1847

- eric@lenakacom.co.za 082 703 6822

forward to give us the unconditional support even this year.

It is through your support that we are getting stronger by the day, and the establishment of Sports Focus’ two sister publications last year, Kasie Focus and My Pride is a true reflection of the support you are giving us.

We look forward to the great year ahead.Enjoy the publication, till the next edition

Esokwazi Secondary School win the 2017 Future Champions Gauteng Schools Cup

Lerato Jiyane

REPORTERS: Hamilton Ngobeni hamilton@sports-focus.co.za Sekaba Maake sekaba@sports-focus.co.za Clifford Mahlo PHOTOGRAPHERS: Lucky Zitha lucky@sports-focus.co.za Sports Focus @Sports Focus www.issuu.com/SportsFocus

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Johannesburg, Saturday, 4th February 2017 - Esokwazi Secondary School have been crowned champions of the 2017 Future Champions Gauteng Schools Cup after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Bophelo Impilo Community in the final at the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville on Saturday.

The pair have qualified for the Future Champions Gauteng Cup to be played early in March, along with Schools Cup semi-finalists Kwadukathole Comprehensive and Kingsway High School.

The quartet will be joined by the Province’s top academy sides in the Gauteng Cup, with the teams battling it out for a place in the prestigious Future Champions Gauteng International Tournament that will be played from March 20-25.

Esokwazi Secondary conceded just one goal all day as they topped the first round Group A with two wins and a draw, including a 5-0 win over Pholosho

Secondary and a 4-0 success against Chipa-Tabane Secondary.

They advanced to the semi-finals, where they edged Kwadukathole Comprehensive 2-0, before saving arguably their best performance of the day for the final, when they led 2-0 at halftime and added to their advantage in the second half.

Bophelo Impilo Community were hugely impressive in reaching the final as they netted 24 goals in just four matches, including a 12-0 win over Group D opponents M.H. Baloyi Secondary, and a 7-0 win against Magaliesburg Secondary.

In all there were 102 goals scored in the 27 matches played in what was a hugely exciting day of football in Sharpeville.

Learners who participated in the Schools Cup also took part in a life skills course conducted by Love Life groundbreakers, focusing on HIV/Aids awareness.

Sponsors of the tournament were Sedgars Sport and Gauteng Coaches, who provided transport to get learners to the venue.

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Call for entries for the 2017 Danone Nations Cup

THE call is out for primary schools to register for the 2017 under-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament.

Primary schools across the country are invited to become part of the biggest youth football tournament in the world for children between the ages of 10 and 12 years old. The tournament has been in operation for the past 17 years, touching the lives of over 2 million kids each year. Once again there will be 32 countries participating this year. The tournament concept is the brain child of Danone, the biggest global producer of dairy products. South Africa has been participating in the tournament since its inception. “We at Danone Southern Africa are excited to once again be part of this tournament,” said Chantel Ehlers, Communication Manager, Danone Southern Africa. “Through the Danone Nations Cup we are bringing health, through soccer, to as many people around the country as possible.”

The South African leg of this worldwide competition is organised by the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA). Games begin at cluster level with the winners progressing to regional finals culminating in the nine provincial winners playing in the national finals.

The eventual national winners are awarded the honour of representing South Africa at the international Danone Nations Cup World Finals tournament in the United States later in the year. More than 200 schools have already registered, but that number will increase significantly in the coming weeks and the organisers expect the entries to exceed the 2500 schools that played in the tournament last year. Northern Cape will host the first provincial final in the latter part of March.

One of the schools that, of course, will register again is the 2016 winners, Benny’s Sports Academy and Development, from Louis Trichard in Limpopo.

Mbishi Mokwena, coach of the 2016

champions, has been busy in his community during the off season.

“After our return from the world finals in France we received so much positive feedback,” he said. “Everyone knows about the school now and we even won the award for Best Development School at the SA Sports Awards which were held in Bloemfontein at the end of 2016.

“That trip to France was so inspiring that during the December holidays I decided to show my appreciation to the community for its support by organising a local soccer tournament. It was a way for me to help develop the local kids, using what I learnt about coaching in France.

I was exposed to new tactics and technical skills there and it’s important to spread my newly acquired knowledge to the other schools in Limpopo.”

To register for the tournament please contact Themba Tshabalala at SASFA: thembatshabalala@saschoolsfa. co.za or 072 588 4957

Explore The Ultimate African Heritage Experience

September 2016

Visit Maropeng - the official visitor center of The Cradle of Humankind World heritage Site and explore the infamous Sterkfontein Caves: Visitor Centre T h e v i s i t o r c e n t r e a t M a r o p e n g s h o w c a s e s t h e C r a d l e o f H u m a n k i n d W o r l d H e r i t a g e S i t e a n d t h e u n p r e c e d e n t e d q u a n t i t y o f h o m i n i n f o s s i l s d i s c o v e r e d i n t h i s a r e a . A b o a t r i d e t a k e s v i s i t o r s t h r o u g h t h e l i f e - g i v i n g e l e m e n t s o f w a t e r , ice, earth and fire and thereafter interactive displays provide a n u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e u n i q u e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f m o d e r n h u m a n k i n d a n d i m p a r t a m u l t i t u d e o f i n t r i g u i n g f a c t s a b o u t t h e h u m a n p o p u l a t i o n . T h e v i s i t o r c e n t r e i s o p e n d a i l y f r o m 9 a m t o 5 p m , a n d t h e l a s t b o a t r i d e d e p a r t s a t 4 p m . C o n t a c t M a r o p e n g o n 0 1 4 5 7 7 9 0 0 0 o r i n f o @ m a r o p e n g . c o . z a f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n , o r v i s i t w w w . m a r o p e n g . c o . z a .

Sterkfontein Caves T h e S t e r k f o n t e i n C a v e s i n t h e C r a d l e o f H u m a n k i n d W o r l d H e r i t a g e S i t e i s o n e o f t h e r i c h e s t a n d m o s t p r o d u c t i v e p a l e a o - a n t h r o p o l o g i c a l h o m i n i d f o s s i l s i t e s i n t h e w o r l d , h a v i n g y i e l d e d s o m e o f t h e m o s t v a l u a b l e a n d o l d e s t e v i d e n c e o f t h e o r i g i n s o f h u m a n k i n d e v e r f o u n d . T h e c a v e s a r e o p e n d a i l y f r o m 9 a m t o 5 p m . G u i d e d t o u r s a r e a v a i l a b l e a n d t h e l a s t t o u r d e p a r t s a t 4 p m . B o o k i n g i s a d v i s a b l e a s v i s i t o r n u m b e r s a r e l i m i t e d .

Hotel T h e 2 4 - b e d r o o m b o u t i q u e h o t e l o v e r l o o k s t h e d i s t a n t W i t w a t e r s b e r g a n d M a g a l i e s b e r g m o u n t a i n r a n g e s . T h e i n t e r i o r h a s b e e n d e s i g n e d c o m b i n i n g m o d e r n f e a t u r e s w i t h t h e a n c i e n t elements of earth, fire, water a n d i c e . P u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s i n c l u d e a stylish yet cosy lounge with a fire p l a c e , a c h i c r e s t a u r a n t a n d b a r l e a d i n g o u t o n t o a p a t i o a n d s w i m m i n g p o o l . C o n t a c t M a r o p e n g o n 0 1 4 5 7 7 9 0 0 0 o r i n f o @ m a r o p e n g . c o . z a f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n , o r v i s i t w w w . m a r o p e n g . c o . z a .

www.maropeng.co.za

September 2016

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NEDBANK CUP CELEBRATES 10 YEARS O AN IMPACT Football lovers are in for a treat during the 10th edition of one of Africa’s most iconic cup competitions.

The mouth-watering fixtures which were confirmed during a live broadcast this evening, have set the perfect stage for the country to witness top flight teams going head to head; on equal playing fields, with second and third tier teams.

“The 2017 Nedbank Cup celebrates a successful partnership with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), The Sports Trust, football fans, our clients and communities. We hope that it demonstrates Nedbank’s purpose of using our financial expertise to do good for individuals, families, businesses and the communities,” said Thulani Sibeko, Group Executive for Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank.

The tournament has been the launchpad for teams like Baroka FC who rose from being an unknown third-tier side that beat Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in 2011 and continued to rise year after year to a point where they made it to the semi-finals in 2016 and are currently playing in the PSL. This tournament also guarantees the winner entry to the continental CAF Confederation Cup. With the prize money of R7 million and a guaranteed R100 000 for the lower league team that qualify for the last 32, the tournament not only provides much needed funding for some of the struggling sides, it also inspires players by giving them a chance to showcase their talent and gain valuable top-flight football experience.

PSL acting Chief Executive, Mato Madlala said: “The last 10 years have brought the PSL and Nedbank closer and we would like to believe that this has been a mutually benefit-

ing relationship. At the heart of the Nedbank Cup is the desire to give opportunities to aspiring individuals from amateur clubs to showcase their talent and change their lives.

The Premier Soccer League has, for years, been at the centre of the rags to riches story in South Africa. It is therefore only natural that this relationship between the League and Nedbank has thrived over the years.

We look forward to another exciting phase of this relationship.”

To expand its impact, the Nedbank Cup has a sports developmental arm through the highly awarded Nedbank Cup Ke Yona Team Search, which has gone across the country and unearthed more than fifteen professional footballers amongst them Aubrey Modiba who is now the reigning Premier Soccer League Young Player of the Season, a Bafana Bafana international and a member of Team South Africa’s Men’s Olympic Football team. Entries for the 2017 Ke

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OF MAKING

SAB League Clubs Eager To Excel in Nedbank Cup The South African Breweries in partnership with the South African Football Association have extended their well wishes for two SAB League clubs set to compete in this year’s edition of the Nedbank Cup. United Rovers from the Northern Cape will be making their second attempt in the competition alongside debutants Days FC from the Free State.

The SAB League is regularly represented in the 32-club competition that features all Premier Soccer League and National First Division clubs where a number of amateur SAB League footballers have been identified by top PSL and NFD clubs.

Speaking ahead of the club’s iconic clash against Jomo Cosmos, coach Freddie Oliphant who is preparing for his CAF C License coaching course through the upcoming SAB League Skills Camp will be eager to advance to the next stages of the competition. ”The club’s involvement in the Ned-

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Yona Team search try-outs opened to night. To register, dial *120*539662# Working with the Sports Trust, the Nedbank Cup has provided three schools with state of the art, multipurpose sports courts while 500 other schools have received soccer kits and training equipment, at an investment of more than R 5 million. The more Nedbank clients choose the Sports Affinity account, the more the bank is able to contribute to sports development, at no cost to the client.

Platinum Stars FC EC Bees FC Mamelodi Sundowns FC FC Cape Town Free State Stars FC Cape Town All Stars FC Chippa United FC Buya Msuthu FC Lamontville Golden Arrows FC Polokwane City FC Royal Eagles FC Jomo Cosmos FC Stellenbosch FC Acornbush United FC KwaDukuza United FC Days FC

bank Cup comes at a crucial time where I will be attending the CAF C License coaching course through the SAB League Skills Camp. It will be exciting for the players who have worked tirelessly to get to the competition. I am also eager to participate in the competition and implement what I learn at the SAB League Skills Camp CAF C License coaching course,” said Oliphant. ”This is a significant achievement for the SAB League. Together with our partners SAFA, we wish the players, coach and club management the best of luck in this prestigious cup competition as they fly the SAB League flag high,” said SAB’s Socio Economic Specialist, Ntombi Kholwa.

United Rovers will kick off their Nedbank campaign away to Jomo Cosmos while Free State based club Days FC will be at home to NFD side, Mbombela United.

AWAY AmaZulu FC Orlando Pirates FC Mariveni United FC Baroka FC Highlands Park FC Bidvest Wits FC Witbank Spurs FC Bloemfontein Celtic FC Maritzburg United African All Stars FC SuperSport United FC United Rovers FC Kaizer Chiefs FC Cape Town FC Ajax Cape Town FC Mbombela United

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Els Design signs new golf course in Zanzibar ‘Zanzibar Amber Resort

ERNIE Els Design is excited to announce that it has completed a new agreement with Zanzibar Amber Resort and is now in the planning phase for what will be East Africa’s first Signature Golf Resort Development. Construction is due to begin in 2017. This stunning new development is located on the northeast of Zanzibar Archipelago, a small cluster of islands renowned for their outstanding natural beauty.

Ernie Els says, “As a course designer, I feel so fortunate to be working with Zanzibar Amber Resorts. And to be awarded with some of the most beautiful settings in the Indian Ocean is really a wonderful opportunity for us. Our clients and I share the same vision and I am confident our work here will set a new standard, leaving a lasting legacy for Zanzibar and the region’s golfers as a whole.”

Sustainably appointed across 638 hectares, and blessed with 4km of

pristine Indian Ocean coastline, the Estate has been master-planned to host an array of premium residency options that extend from penthouse condominiums to beachside villas and private islands. The residences are supported by a 99-year lease, extendable by a further 49 years, and represent the first opportunity for non-citizens to have access to a titled property in Zanzibar.

For visitors there is an exclusive portfolio of five international hotel brands to choose from, something of a hospitality ‘dream-team’ without global comparison in a single resort environment. What’s more, Zanzibar Amber Resort is easily accessible being just a short drive from the International Airport, which is serviced by major airlines such as Qatar, Turkish, Condor, Kenya & Ethiopian Airlines, along with many regional connections from major East and South African hubs.

Brian Thomson & Saleh Said, the Directors of Zanzibar Amber Resort added, “As we began discussions with Ernie, we realized that we share the same vision, to build a distinctive and superior golfing destination that will further enhance the golfing experience of both professional and leisure golfers. It became clear to us that Els’ highly regarded course designs, African profile and International Hall of Fame career were a perfect fit for our aspirations”.

“As the catalyst of integrated lifestyle destinations and luxury tourism products around the world, we have brought together a formidable collection of premier brands such as Ernie Els Design, Anantara, and others soon to be announced, that represent the best in the business and these partnerships will create a highly sought-after tourism and leisure offering within the region.

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Larsen and Gordinho first recipients of Absa Premiership monthly awards KAIZER Chiefs defender Lorenzo Gordinho and Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larson, were voted the best player and coach of the month for August and September 2016.

After impressive performances during this period by the centre-back, which included him scoring some crucial goals in the opening two months of the 2016/17 Absa Premiership campaign, Gordinho was also selected due to his consistent displays at the back for Amakhosi as well as his level of maturity having recently made a step up to regular football in the elite division.

This is the first time Gordinho claimed the monthly award. The 22year old from Benoni, took the award after receiving the most votes from a panel of experts.

Durban-born coach Larsen, who after guiding Abafana Besthende to four wins during the two respective months, became the first coach to win the award in the 2016/17 Absa Premiership season, as he guided his side to top of the log standings by the start of October. The judging panel were impressed by the exciting display of his team in producing the good results.

Larsen masterminded a a good turnaround of results following Arrows’ opening day of the season defeat to Orlando Pirates, guiding his team to 3 wins and one draw after that loss in Soweto.

During the August-September block of fixtures, Arrows collected 10 points as they registered away wins at Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic, a home victory over newboys Cape

Town City, drew with SuperSport United, while they lost their opening game of the season away at Orlando Pirates. The club scored 7 goals during this period.

Larsen narrowly got the nod ahead of Bidvest Wits’ coach Gavin Hunt.

The Players and Coach of the Month awards were selected by a panel of judges made up of members of the broadcast partners and football analysts and was convened by renowned local coach Farouk Khan.

As proud sponsors of the Absa Premiership, Absa congratulates Gordinho and coach Larsen on their awards for August-September and we look forward to the start of what should be an exciting second round of Absa Premiership this week, filled with flair and goals galore from all 16 teams as the title race and battle to avoid relegations heats up.

September 2016

September 2016

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The Sono dynasty belo The name has been in football circles for the past three generations –a first in professional football, WRITES ZAKHELE SHIBA. No wonder the former South Africa World Cup coach, Dr Jomo Sono, was conferred with Honourary Doctorate Awards by University of London and the University of Dubai, recently.

It started with his father, the legendary Eric “Scara” Bhamuza Sono when donned the Orlando Pirates jersey and captained the team in the 1960s. When Bhamuza Sono died at the age of 27 in a car crash, he left behind another two soccer sons - Pirates legend-in-making, Ephraim Matsilele “Jomo” Sono and his halfbrother, Julius “KK” Sono.

Although both young Sonos played for Bucs in the 1980s, “KK” Sono never really reached the potential of his elder brother “Jomo”.

The Troublemaker, as he was known in soccer circles, played with legends like the Brazilian legend Pele and German stalwart, Franz Beckenbauer in the United States of America.

In 1977, Jomo played for New York Cosmos and in 1978, he moved to the Colorado Caribous. When Caribous become the Atlanta Chiefs, Sono played with another South African soccer star of the time, Kaizer Motaung. Motaung went on to defect from Pirates to form Kaizer XI which later became known as Kaizer Chiefs in 1970.

In between winning the Mainstay Cup medal with Orlando Pirates in 1980 against Moroka Swallows where scored a brace in a 3-2 win, Jomo continued with his international career in Toronto Blizzard from the

summers of 1980 to 1982 where he completed his stint in the US. After returning to Mzansi, he bought Dion Highlands Park and renamed it Dion Jomo Cosmos in 1982. Jomo Cosmos is still in existence today.

It is campaigning in the National First Division and Jomo is trying level best to gain promotion to the money-spinning Premier Soccer League (PSL).

A businessman and soccer boss who started the first KFC franchises in Dube and Dispkloof, Soweto after returning from the US, Jomo has been in and out of the PSL owing to relegation and promotion since the league’s formation in the 1996/97 season.

Apart from playing with Kaizer Motaung in the USA, Jomo also played alongside Khulu Sibiya when he joined Pirates as a school kid in the 1970s.

Sibiya is the Chairman of SuperSport United, one of the successful teams in the PSL. In the 80s, he played for Jomo Cosmos. After hanging his boots and coaching Cosmos, Jomo groomed his son Bamuza to play for the family team and he made his debut in the 1998/99 season.

Bamuza played for the team until he took up a senior management position upon his retirement in 2016.

But another Sono name is still part of Cosmos in the shape of another of his sons – Matsilele Junior Sono.

Matsilele is named after Jomo, while Bhamuza is named after his grandfather Bhamuza Sono.

On the other hand, KK Sono’s son, Rhulani Mokwena, a Safa and CAF programme graduate, is keeping the family’s name flying high after win-

ning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns where he is Pitso Jingles Mosimane’s assistant coach. Mokowena, also played for Jomo Cosmos and only played as far as the team’s Under 19 squad.

In local soccer, there have been fathers who have had their sons follow on their footsteps, but Sono’s story is totally unique.

It is no wonder Orlando Pirates has retired Jomo Son’s number 10 jersey until they find a suitable star who can wear it.

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ongs to soccer gods

The uniqueness comes in the sense that the Sono’s have been playing active and regular football for three generations to date. From Grandfather Eric “Bhamuza” Sono, father Ephraim Matsilele “Jomo” Sono, retired son Bhamuza Sono and the active midfielder/striker Matsilelele Junior Sono.

Jomo’s daughter, Nyiko Sono has been Cosmos’s Chief Operations Officer. Randzo Sono is the Events and Marketing Manager at Jomo Cosmos F.C. (Nakampe, please double check

if Randzo is one of Jomo’s kids) Below are fathers and sons who have played professional football. * Former Orlando Pirates star Kaizer Motaung’s son Kaizer Motaung Junior played for Chiefs and in Germany until he retired a few years ago. * Percy “Chippa Chippa” Moloi’s son, Tebogo Moloi won the CAF Champion’s League with Pirates in 1985, and went on to become an assistant coach for different coaches. * Eliakim Khumalo’s son Doctor “16 Valve” Khumalo is a retired legend who mesmerised opponents during his playing days. * Former Moroka Swallows’s deadly

striker, Bradley Grobler, who followed on his dad’s foot-steps, is scoring goals, though not regularly for Supersport United. * Former Orlando Pirates stalwart defender Johannes “Yster” Khomane’s son Papi Khomane, also a defender, at Bucs, didn’t live up to his father’s expectations. Upon premature retirement from the game, he became SABC soccer analyst. * Another former Kaizer Chiefs’ defender-cum-soccer analyst Siphiwe Mkhonza has followed on his father’s footsteps, Joseph “Skheshekheshe” Mkhonza who also played for the Phefeni Glamour Boys. * Former Pirates player James “Mebra” Gqosha’s son Lifa Gqosha played for Kaizer Chiefs. * Former Witbank Black Aces’ midfielder Thomas “Junior” Ngobe’s son, Dumisa Ngobe played for Pirates in the mid-90s.

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Rose Khumalo crowned Miss Mamelod

THE coveted title of Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2016/2017 was awarded to Sharon-Rose Khumalo from Gauteng, in a glittering ceremony held at Emperors Palace recently.

As the winner of the pageant, Khumalo receives R200 000 in prize money, a brand-new car and she is the new ambassador for Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. The 1st Princess is Tsakane Mangwane, also from Gauteng, who walks away with

R175 000, while R150 000 goes to 2nd Princess, Lisanne Lazarus from KwaZulu-Natal. Rounding off the top five are Mikaela Oosthuizen from the Eastern Cape and Tshidi Green, one of the Western Cape representatives. In addition, all 18 provincial winners are given R60 000.

Presenting the overall winner was Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi and Dr Precious MoloiMotsepe, executive Chairperson of

African Fashion International (AFI).

In the audience were the players from Mamelodi Sundowns FC and members of the Supporters Club, who sang team songs during the night and a rendition of Happy Birthday to club owner Patrice Motsepe.

Puma, Honda and Translux sponsored the well-supported event, while the jovial crowd was entertained by Babes Wodumo, EMTEE and Kwesta. In a nod to local fash-

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di Sundowns ion, South African designers who showcased in AFI’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2016, dressed the contestants in selected categories. The featured designers were: David Tlale, Khosi Nkosi, Ruff Tung, Scalo and BeachCult.

“What a fantastic end to a hugely successful pageant. Congratulations to all the contestants, you did yourselves and your province proud, and you’re an inspiration to young women all over South Africa,” says Sizwe Nzimande, General Manager of Mamelodi Sundowns. “A special congratulations must go to SharonRose, our new winner. We wish you all the best for your exciting year ahead as an ambassador for change in our country and as the brand ambassador for Mamelodi Sundowns FC.” It was an emotional send-off for Tshego Monggae, Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2015. As she took to the stage for one last time, a video tribute played in the background, highlighting her successful reign and that of the Mamelodi Sundowns team who were crowned CAF Champions League Champions in 2016.

“What an incredible night - I’m still waiting for it all to sink in,” says Khumalo, the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2016/2017 winner. “Thank you to Miss Mamelodi Sundowns for this amazing opportunity and a very special thank you to my parents for their unwavering support. I know the year ahead is going to be as exciting as it is challenging and I can’t wait to get started.”

Dolly benched

KEAGAN Dolly was named on the bench but did not debut for the French Ligue 1 side Montpellier on Saturday (February 4) night Montpellier claimed a vital 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Bastia to move three points clear of relegation zone.

Dolly will be pleased to have cracked the match-day 18, but will be eager to get his first minutes on the pitch.

He joined Montpellier from Mamelodi Sundowns last month for a reported R25-million.-www.kickoff.com

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Adver

Clarence and Gift to p BestMed’s impact as the sponsors of the Tuks Athletics club is fast gaining momentum, Clarence Munyai and Gift Leotlela are two perfect example of that, WRITES NAKAMPE LEKWADU. The two young athletes whose speciality is on the 200m, made their names for themselves during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after they finished third and fourth respectively.

The two boys are ambitious and the future looks bright in their career as athletes, and thanks to BestMed. Although Munyai and Leotlela grew up in a separate background, they have a number of things in common of which one of that is that their dream to become athletes started when they were still at tender age at primary school level.

“I have been running all my life for as long as I remember, and a number of medals back at Senthiel Primary School’s cabinet which I represented in many school competition speaks volume for my achievement,” explain the shy yet talkative Leotlela who said he has been in athletics since he was 10 years.

Added Munyai: ”As for me I grew up in an environment of football back in my village, but that did not temper with my dream to become an athlete despite the fact that most of my friends were playing football.”

Just like Leotlela, Munyai has also contributed a lot in terms of winning titles for his school Heron Bride (a combined primary and high school based in Midrand, Johannesburg) at both local and national level.

Born in QwaQwa, Free State, the 18 year-old Leotlela who is still a matric student at the TuksSports School

told Sports Focus that: “age is still on my side, and I am looking forward to take that advantage and that one of BestMed’ sponsorship and build my future as one of the best athlete this country has ever produced.”

Munyai who is also 18 years and was born in Makhado (formely Louis Trichardt), Limpopo shared the

same sentiments: “It is true, we are still young and the future looks bright for us and we need to do everything in our power to produce our best at competitive level so as to reward both BestMed and Tuks Athletic Club for giving us an opportunity.”

Munyai said participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics was the biggest

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rtorial

put Tuks on the map

achievement of his life, and obviously the beginning of many more competitions at international level.

“I must admit that I was little bit scared ahead of the race in Rio, more so because I was to run in front of such a multitude of fans for the first time and secondly competing with world’s well known athletes such as Adam Gemili

and Nickel who are from Great Britain and Jamaica respectively, was also a threat at its own,” said Munyai who completed his matric certificate at the Tuks Sports School and now a first year Sports Management student at University of Pretoria.

With the Rio 2016 out of the way, both Munyai and Leotlela’s focus

now is on London World Championships to be held in August this year.

“The road to London is not going to be an easy one though as we still have to go through qualification races, but we are up to the challenge,” said the confident Leotlela.

Added Munyai: “There are a number of competition which we have to make use of them to qualify for the London World Championships, and with the helping hand of BestMed and the quality of training we get here at Tuks, nothing will stop us from achieving that dream.”

Our biggest dream though, continued Munyai, is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and hopefully by that time we would have fully matured and competed in a number of international competition which will be enough to help us progress.

Tuks Sports Marketing Manager, Mmane Boikanyo is confident that both Munyai and Leotlela will achieve their dream if their current commitment is anything to go by. “We are so lucky to have a sponsor of BestMed’s calibre and their commitment to this institution means a lot. Having said that, I can guarantee that nothing will stop Munyai and Leotlela to qualify for London World Championships with the main goal as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” added the confident and energetic Boikanyo.

“We are proud to have been part of Munyai and Leotlela’s outstanding journey. Their hard work and dedication is evident in their success.

We wish them continued success and trust that they will attain greater heights in their careers”, Chris Luyt, Bestmed Marketing Executive Manager.

September 2016 February 2017

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Sleeker Opel Astra packs a punch

There’s no doubt that the Opel Astra is an extremely attractive, modern car for all occasions. The new model comes ready to fight in the lucrative upwardly mobile market, the playground of high earning and high spending young turks of new South Africa. A closer inspection of the new Astra shows that it is slightly smaller (by 49mm) than the previous edition of the German-made car. However, the new edition packs a punch and it’s ready to take a fight to category rivals such as the Golf 7 and the Focus, for example.

Stepping inside further reveals where the new Astra’s strength lies. The high tech interior, with its high-end mod-coms, is a marvel to behold. When the past model was slammed for trying too hard to be good, leading to a cluttered control interface, the new model boasts a far more simplified dashboard. The 7-inch touchscreen monitor anchors a sound playroom with Apple Carplay and Android ability. Overall, the audio-system is armed with 6-speaker Bluetooth/USB/MP3/AUX combo of options to play music. This

much is all located near the top of the dashboard, freeing most of the dashboard.

In all there are eight models to choose from, with most coming with cloth upholstery, but a fabric of high standards. The leather seats are found in the 1.4T Sport automatic and upwards, which also are equipped with sports seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support and a front/rear seat heating function.

From the second model option to the eighth, the new Opel Astra boasts rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight activation and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The four Sport models have electronic climate control, power-folding mirrors, dark-tinted rear side and tailgate glass, rear blind-spot alert, reverse-view camera, a hands-free parking system and keyless entry/ start.

Head-turning exterior The eye-catching vehicle has a no-nonsese upmarket design, with chrome trims that run along the top edges of the side glass area. The redesigned headlamps give the

Astra a wider look, with significantly stretched wheelbase compared to the past model. This stance gives the Astra a sleek, sporty profile. Apart from the entry-level 1.0T Essentia, all the model stand on 17-inch wheels, with the Sport/Plus models riding a notch higher on 18-inch alloys. Except for the entry level Essentia, all models also have LED daytime running lights/indicators. The top-of-therange 1.6T Plus can be differentiated by its LED IntelliLux Matrix Lighting System (with automatic headlamp levelling, dynamic control and adaptive forward lighting) and LED tail lights.

Safety features The safety equipment is extensive, including front-, side- and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability program, hill start assist, a pedal release system, front passenger airbag deactivation switch and ISOfix child seat anchorage points. From the 1.4T model up a driver assistance package with forward collision alert, following distance indicator, lane keeping assist, speed collision mitigation and traffic sign recognition is standard.

Pricing 1.0 T Essentia R254 000 1.0 T Enjoy R284 300 1.4T Enjoy R328 000 1.4T Enjoy automatic R338 000 1.4T Sport R354 000 1.4T Sport automatic R374 000 1.6T Sport R387 000 1.6T Sport Plus R407 000 Included is a 5-years/120 000 km warranty as well as 5-years/90 000 km service and roadside assistance plans.

September 2016

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September 2016 February 2017

20

Safety and elegance spell Volvo V40 Talking about the Volvo V40 demands an amazing effort because the V40 comes in 26 models! The diversity can also be seen in the huge difference gap in the price - from entry level T3 Kinetic at R 352 098, to T5 R-Design priced at R 510 838.

The models vary from petrol to diesel engines vehicles. However one thing remains common despite the overwhelming selection: the Volvo safety. Secondly, the Volvo is an elegant option for sensible, discerning people. If you want noisy, flashy lifestyle look elsewhere!

In fact, the new V40 is one of the safest vehicles around, but there’s more to it in and outside. At first glance, the V40 appears like a an estate vehicle - or station wagon as we prefer to say in South Africa. This is because of its long rear that overhangs.

The V40 has physical presence, outsizing the Audi A3 or a BMW 1 Series in its category. Even more, it has unforgettable beauty and class, just looking at it.

The Volvo V40 further slays the competition with as class leader in fuel-consumption stakes. The petrol engine models on average sip 5.5 litres/100 km without the interruptions of congested traffic. The D2 models boast even lower petrol consumption at 3.4 litres/100km!

There’s reasonable power in modern Volvo’s, but the V40 gives a lot more kick and swift reaction. The T4 1.6-litre turbo-petrol motor for example produces 132kW at 5 700rpm and 240Nm at 1 600 to 5 000rpm.

The low-down torque means you are never found wanting when climbing and accelerating.

Back to safetty, the V40 has it all and more... including pedestrian airbag

technology. There is high quality object detection, lane-keeping aid with haptic auto steering, adaptive cruise control, park assist, active high beam and a cross-traffic alert system found at the rear.

More safety features include the driver alert control system that detects if you are tired and the city safety system that prevents lowspeed impacts. In the event of an accident, the V40 has knee airbags and a safety cage with deformation zones. The seatbelts feature whiplash protection to lessen impact to your neck.

Now that you know you are safe in this stylish car, you can take it easy and enjoy its comforting interior, complete with modern personal technology. The impressive infotainment system features iPod connectivity, auxiliary input, USB as well as Bluetooth.

The V40 has added practicality in the form of rear doors, a feature that was missing from its predecessor.

The boot space is truly small for a car of this size though, however the rest of the interior proved more than

capacious enough.

Pricing T3 Kinetic R352 098 D2 Kinetic R 365 300 T3 Momentum R 393 898 D2 Momentum

400 500 T3 Momentum aut R 413 526 T3 Inscription R 416 398 T4 Momentum R 417 198 D2 Inscription R 423 200 T3 R-Design R 424 798 D2 R-Design R431 700 T3 Inscription autoR 435 926 T4 Momentum aut R 438 112 T4 R-Design R 439 498 T4 Inscription R 439 898 T3 R-Design auto R 444 326 D3 Momentum R 449 900 T4 R-Design auto R 460 112 D4 Momentum R 460 300 T4 Inscription auto R 461 112 D3 Inscription R 473 100 T5 Momentum R 480 238 D4 Inscription R 480 700 D3 R-Design R 481 400 D4 R-Design R 490 500 T5 Inscription R 500 838 T5 R-Design R 510 838

September 2016

September 2016 February 2017

22

HPC host coaching course

Following the success of the 2016 Match Officials and League Administrators course held by SAB and SAFA.The largest grassroots football development league is proud to once again host the SAB League Skills Camp. This year inviting 52 coaches from the respective SAFA Regions for a CAF C License Coaching course to be held at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria from 5 to 15 February.

The invaluable skills imparting initiative by the country’s largest grassroots football development league is born out of SAB’s vision of using football as an effective tool of making a meaningful contribution in communities. Through it’s newly found and matured approach to football development, SAB has been pioneers in commendably demonstrating its promise of being committed to football development.

Boasting more than 30 000 youngsters across different parts of the country competing weekly, the league has produced a number of the country’s top performing footballers. Beyond the playing pitch, SAB has invested resourses in providing education to players through the SAB League Study Assistance programme, which has seen a number of SAB League players having incalculable opportunities of tertiary education.

SAB’s firm belief in development has now been extended to the coaches through the CAF C License coaching course which will see coaches at grassroots level being equipped with the most recent coaching methods exclusively developed by technical instructors and coaches from the governing body of African football CAF. Senior national team assistant coach, Thabo Senong who is also a proud product of the SAB League, having coached SAB League clubs from Limpopo is amongst some of the coaches expected to share their knowledge at the course. ”It is always rewarding to witness such programmes for coaches at grassroots level. I myself am an SAB League coach graduate and it is highly important that courses such as these are offered at this level to ensure that there is a high level of professionalism during these early developmental stages. This also contributes to the standard and quality of coaches produced in the country” said Senong.

SAB’s Economic Development Manager, Octavius Phukubye emphasized SAB’s commitment to football development ahead of the course. ”Our investment in grassroots football development continues to evolve in a manner that empowers various role players across the value chain of football. We continue to do this with the assurance that our contribution to football development goes far and beyond the 90 minutes of the soccer pitch but meets the critical needs of our communities. Through our priceless investment in football, we are confident that various needs within our societies will be fulfilled,” said Phukubye.

Bassogog on song

Cameroon forward Christian Bassogog has been adjudged the Total Man of the Competition, the prize given to the Most Valuable Player of the Total Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017.

The 21-year was influential to Cameroon winning the ultimate, after a 2-1 win over Egypt in the final on Sunday at the Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville, and was deservingly named the best player of the competition by the CAF Technical and Study Group.

Here is list of honours; Total Man of the Competition: Christian BASSOGOG (Cameroon) Total Man of the Final Match: Benjamin MOUKANDJO (Cameroon) Fair Play prize: Egypt Top Scorer: Junior KABANANGA (DR Congo) – 3 goals CAF Team of the tournament Goalkeeper: Fabrice ONDOA (Cameroon) Defenders: Modou Kara MBODJI (Senegal), Ahmed HEGAZY (Egypt), Michael NGADEU (Cameroon) Midfielders: Charles KABORE (Burkina Faso), Daniel AMARTEY (Ghana), Bertrand TRAORE (Burkina Faso), Christian ATSU (Ghana), Mohamed SALAH (Egypt) Forwards: Christian BASSOGOG (Cameroon), Junior KABANANGA (DR Congo)

September 2016 February 2017

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Meet Africa’s Camps

Vincent Aboubakar came off the bench to score a stunning winner with two minutes left as Cameroon fought back from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny had given Egypt the lead midway through the first half and Egypt looked to be on course to win an unrivalled eighth Cup of Nations crown in their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

But Nicolas Nkoulou, who had come off the bench in the first half, headed in the equaliser just before the hour mark and fellow substitute Aboubakar slammed in the winner in the 88th minute.

That sparked bedlam in a near-capacity crowd of more than 38,000 in Gabon’s capital, made up in its majority by Cameroonian supporters.

It is a fifth Cup of Nations crown for the Indomitable Lions, a first since 2002, and the first time they have beaten Egypt in the final in three attempts.

tent within two minutes as a delightful cushioned pass by Mohamed Salah set up Abdallah El Said, but his firm shot was well held by Fabrice Ondoa in the Cameroon goal.

Egypt fell just short on their return to the competition after a seven-year absence, and the defeat will be especially painful for their coach Hector Cuper.

Egypt then opened the scoring midway through the first period with a superb team goal.

Amr Warda and Salah combined on the right and the latter played the ball into Elneny in space in the area, the midfielder taking a touch to control and another to steady himself before blasting high past Ondoa at his near post.

The Argentine was desperate to win a trophy after a career tainted by rotten luck in finals at club level, including back-to-back defeats in the UEFA Champions League with Valencia at the start of the last decade.

Egypt have been derided at times for a defensive approach under Cuper, but they played their part in this rarest of things -- a genuinely entertaining final.

The Pharaohs had signalled their in-

It was a brilliant finish from the midfielder who was returning to the side after missing his team’s last two games due to a calf injury.

- Super subs The odds were now very much against Cameroon.

September 2016